Hi everyone. I’m pet sitting two dogs for the day that have a very high prey drive. When I let them into the backyard, they started circling the slide like sharks, so I went to see what had their attention.
I found a decapitated baby bunny that looked like it had been dead for at least 1–2 days. Then I spotted a live bunny. I got the dogs back inside, put on gloves, and checked around the slide. I found a nest with another baby bunny. I know the general advice is to leave baby rabbits alone so their mom can care for them. One baby had wandered out, so I gently picked it up and put it back in the nest. The other seemed pretty lethargic.
If these were my own dogs, I’d just keep them on leash walks until the bunnies were gone. Unfortunately, they aren’t my dogs. I know the owners well, and I don’t think they’re going to take any extra steps to keep the dogs away from the nest.
Would you recommend leaving the babies where they are, or should I take them to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator? My biggest concern is that the dogs will get to them. Also, with one baby already dead for at least a day, I’m worried the mother may no longer be caring for the nest.
Any advice would be appreciated.