Baby Hares

Observe:

NOTE: The Sudbury area, and Northern Ontario do not have cottontail rabbits. Snowshoe hare babies are born fully furred, and mobile, hours after they are born. They do not use or stay in nests.

If you have found a baby snowshoe, it is normal for them to be found alone. Mothers only come during the cover of darkness to feed the babies *this is a strategy used for survival.

Signs that a baby hare needs help:

• Obvious wounds or blood
• Contact with a cat
• Presence of string, oil, glue, or other substances
• Infestation with bugs or eggs
• Eyes closed

Signs that the hare may not need help:

• A baby hare that stays in one area is completely normal. They wait for their mothers to return after nightfall.

Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for help and advice.

Things to keep in mind:

• Contact rehabilitator before intervening with baby hares!
• Human scent can deter a mother from returning to her babies. Do not place towels, boxes, or items next to a baby.

Call a licensed rehabilitator for advice before touching or capturing a baby hare.

• If there is a healthy baby hare in your backyard and you are concerned, you may wish to cover it with a large, well ventilated container (like a laundry basket) temporarily to ensure it is safe from your activities (i.e., mowing the grass). You must remove the container by the evening for the return of its mother. Do not handle the animal, avoid human scents, and do not bring them into your house.
• For injured baby hares, keep the animal in a dark, warm, quiet place. Avoid food and water until instructed by a rehabilitator. Transport it to the centre as soon as possible. Seek rehabilitator’s advice as soon as possible. DO NOT attempt to feed or give it fluids.

Drive carefully, keep the vehicle cool, and ensure the animal is contained.

If you cannot drive, contact Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre for assistance.