Bunnies
   The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit can be found in almost every type of habitat, and breed in our area from spring until September.  The average size of the litter is 4-5 young.  The nests are commonly found in areas where humand domestic animals also frequent, therefore the nexts are often discovered.  Because cottontails are especially susceptible to stress, it is vital that all possible steps are taken to let the yound remain with their mother.
  The most important thing to remember when you find a nest is not to touch it with bare hands.  Once the human scent is on the young or the nesting material, the mother will desert or destroy the net and/or the young.  If the nest has been undisturbed, keep an area around it free of human and companion animal traffic.  If the nest has been uncovered by mowing, use a twig to suport the top of the nesting material.  There is a chance that the nest will be abandoned, but it is a chance worth taking.  In case of injuries to the yound rabbits by children, dogs, cats or machinery, or if the nest is completely destroyed, or if the yound are clearly injured or have flies or other insects buzzing around them, the best thing to do is keep the young warm, quiet and in a dark place, such as in a cardboard box with air holes generously punched into the sides.  Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and transfer them as quickly as possible.  Keep contact and noise to a minimum when moving around the young animals prior to transferring them to a rehabilitator.  Only handle them when absolutely necessary.  DO NOT attempt to feed or give water to the young rabbits.  DO NOT hold or cuddle them, no matter how tempting this is.  The stress of this contact could kill them quickly.
  Do not be alarmed if you do not see the mother cottontail tending her young.  Remember that you did not see her build the nest or give birth.  A mother rabbit usually returns to the nest at dusk and dawn only.  She will visit the nest throughout the night, but the rest of the time the nest is left unattended.  Young cottontails will leave the next to forage for szhort periods at about 2 weeks of age.  Do not disturb them and keep children, dogs and cats away.  They will start to leave the nest for good at about 4 weeks of age.  Rabbits capable of being on their own still appear small.  Do not be alarmed by their size.  Sometimes, young rabbits have a small white spot on their foreheads.  This will usually fade as they get older, and it can be an indsication that they are old enough to be independent.  If you are unsre, please contact a local rehabilitator for advice before intervening.
  Please remember that while they are adorable, wild rabbits do not make acceptable companion animals.  They are extremely susceptible to stress, and since contact with humans (potential predators) is unnatural, the stress of this contact will almost surely kill them.  Note also that it is illegal to keep wild animals for any length of time without the proper State and/or Federal permits.