Book 33, Question 41
Why should you leave a seemingly lost fawn or bunny alone?
A baby deer or rabbit alone in a field may look lost, but its mother is probably nearby.
Many mammal mothers leave their young hidden while they feed. Don’t touch or move the baby, and keep pets away. Touching it can scare the mother away. If it looks hurt or is in danger, tell a grown-up to call a wildlife rescue center. Usually the best help is to leave it be.
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Quick answers
Why should you leave a seemingly lost fawn or bunny alone?
Mother deer and rabbits leave their young alone for most of the day to avoid attracting predators.
Source: National Wildlife Federation
More fun facts
- Deer typically give birth between May and late June and leave their fawns alone for much of the day to avoid attracting predators.
- Mothers normally leave their babies alone while they forage for food.
- Uninjured baby rabbits in an intact nest should also be left alone.
- Mother rabbits visit the nest only briefly at dawn and dusk.
- Mother rabbits spend more time with the babies from dusk till dawn.
Sources: portal.ct.gov, Tufts
Questions kids ask
When can a baby rabbit live on its own?
A rabbit who is 4 inches long, hops well and has open eyes and erect ears is independent from its mother and should be allowed to fend for itself.
Source: Tufts