Upstate NY Man Mows Over Rabbits Nest! What Happened to the Bunnies?
Even if you took part in "No Mow May", chances are you have mowed your lawn at least once this year. Before you do the next cutting, inspect your yard for brown patches of grass. Underneath the surface you just might find baby bunnies!
One New York man recently ran over a rabbit nest in his yard and yes baby bunnies were in the nest!
According to New York State DEC, wild rabbits begin nesting in March. Within one week of building a nest, the rabbit gives birth and typically 3 weeks later the "kit" or litter of rabbits become independent and leave the nest. These rabbits weren't ready to leave just yet when they got mowed.
The babies survived the incident but the concern was for the mom. Although it is rare, on occasion mother rabbits won't return to her babies if the nest has been compromised. The Floyd, NY man that mistakenly ran over the nest contacted a wildlife rehabilitator and they advised to place grass over the nest and wait to see if mom would return.
As time went on it was determined that the mother was not returning to the nest. What would happen to these 5 baby bunnies? No mom and not yet equipped with survival skills. New York State DEC officers realized that the rabbits had a better chance of survival if taken to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
The rabbits are now in the care of a rehabilitator. They will remain there until they are ready to be released into the wild.