wild rabbits and groundhogs

Question
Do you know if groundhogs prey on wild rabbits? I have a baby bunny nest in
my backyard lawn. I believe that the babies are about three weeks old.
Yesterday a groundhog approached the nest while the mother rabbit was
close by. The mother rabbit hopped in front of the groundhog. I didn't wait to
see what would happen. I ran off the groundhog. This morning the
groundhog came again. This time it seemed to ignore the mother rabbit and
started to approach the nest. Again, I ran him off. Within a half an hour the
groundhog was back and again approaching the nest. Once again I ran him
off. Can I assume that the groundhog is there to eat or kill the baby rabbits? I
know I should probably let nature take it's course but I'm having a hard time
with that.

Answer
FOLLOWUP:

AW!  Poor bunnies!!  Poor you!!  But you are truly a hero for racing out and saving the baby.  How sad that the hawk found them.  Yes, it's an uphill battle for baby rabbits, which is why they have to reproduce at such a rate.

I hope the little one will be fine.  (They should name her after you.)

Take care,

Dana

*********

Dear Jennifer,

Groundhogs are generally considered to be herbivorous, but they will sometimes eat eggs or insects, if available.  That said, squirrels (another rodent) are *also* considered to be herbivorous, but will eat small mammals or lizards if they can catch them.  Rodents evolved from omnivorous ancestors, and there may be a bit of remnant "omnivore" drive in all of them.

It's possible that the groundhog means harm to the baby rabbits, and mama cottontail was taking no chances.  Similarly, you don't have to feel the need to "let nature take its course" if you want to protect the babies.  If they were in my yard, I would certainly drive off the groundhog and try to protect the babies, and no apologies for that.  I'm as much a part of the ecosystem as the groundhog and the cotties, so Mr. Groundhog had better stand clear if he threatens the baby cotties.

While I wouldn't assume that the groundhog wants to kill the babies, it's pretty suspicious that he keeps coming back.  If you can keep him away until the babies are a little bit older (they will probably leave the nest in another week or so), then they will be better able to escape and defend themselves with their native speed.

Hope they will be fine, and thank you for your help in caring for them.

Dana