Annual reminder to leave the baby rabbits alone
Posted Apr 8, 2020 3:13 pm.
Last Updated Apr 8, 2020 3:14 pm.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – With Easter on the horizon, you may find the Easter Bunny isn’t just leaving colourful eggs scattered across the land.
It’s springtime, and that means rabbits are breeding like rabbits. It also means baby hares can be found in fields and backyards across the city but should you stumble across one, just leave it alone.
The Alberta Institue for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) says white-tailed jackrabbits often leave its young unattended for long periods but it doesn’t mean they have been abandoned or need help. Young jackrabbits are well equipped to handle themselves.
The rabbits are born without a scent to better hide from predators such as coyotes and weasels. Within one day of them being born, they can move on their own and even feed without assistance. Yet, this hasn’t stopped well-intentioned but ill-informed individuals from trying to rescue the baby rabbits.
Last year, the AIWC took in more than 140 hares, many having been accidentally bunny-napped. It’s reminding all Albertans that if you see a baby hare, leave it there.
If you do pick up or unintentionally touch a baby jackrabbit, you can still put the bunny back down. It is a common misconception that mother rabbits will abandon their young based on the new scent.
If you see a baby bunny, contact AIWC before you interact with it.
