Here’s What to do if You Find Baby Bunnies in Your Kentucky Yard

Last year around this time, my husband, Michael, was out mowing the grass. He suddenly stopped in the middle of the yard and bent over to inspect something. A baby bunny nest!

A Horrible Incident at the Maddox Household

Everything looked fine. The nest was barely disturbed and Michael noticed no damage to the bunnies, so he finished his chore and came inside. Later that evening, our Golden Retriever, Freddie, was out playing and prancing as he always does.

We noticed he was just really going to town playing with something and I remember saying "Awww Michael, look at Freddie! He's so happy!" In true dog fashion, he often finds sticks and things that he will toss into the air, catch, and repeat. Except this was not a stick.  Michael immediately very calmly said, "Uh oh" and ran outside to stop him.

What Do Bunny Nests Look Like?

Freddie had found the bunny nest and was trying to play with one of them. Luckily the baby bunny was somehow still in one piece. I went out to see where the nest was so I could find a way to protect it from Freddie if he got another "wild hair." It was just a small hole in the ground about 6-7 inches wide and covered in fluff, fur, twigs, and leaves.

Don't Touch a Bunny Nest

Usually, if you come across a nest of bunnies, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Chances are the mama is off somewhere watching or looking for food. She probably only checks on the babies a couple of times a day. If you touch the nest or the bunnies, the mama will smell your scent when she returns. Humans equal danger, and she may not come back if she thinks her safe space has been compromised.

What Should You Do if You Find a Bunny Nest?

Unless the nest has been disturbed and you notice injured bunnies, just leave the nest covered with fluff and let nature do its thing. If you have a dog, you'll definitely need to pay better attention than we did to make sure they don't try to "play" with the babies.

If you see the bunnies are hurt or you cannot protect them from your pets, you can find a local rescue or rehabilitator on this list thanks to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources

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