baby hares are they abandoned

Question
We found a baby hare in the grass next to our house.  On the other side of the house, we found a baby hair trapped in the window well.  We got it out and put it over where we found the other baby rabbit hoping their mother will find them both if she comes back at night.  How do we tell if they are too far from the nest for her to find them? (don't know where the nest is).  What should we watch for to know if we should step in and get them to a wild life shelter?  They are about fist size at the most, open eyes, furry.  One looks healthy, the other seems bummed.  I'm just worried if she can't find them they will starve etc.  We are in a residential area so they are not well hidden. I want to avoid handling them again.  Help!

Answer
hello kathy

You wont be able to tell how far the mother is from her babies. I really dont think that she will go  back to them as mother rabbits are usually very protective of their young. Either the mum hare knew that the babies were not strong enough to survive and left them, or the mother hare could have been hurt or even killed when looking for food or shelter etc. you can either leave it up to nature and see what happens of give it a go and try and help them, either you or an animal shelter. I dont think that hares will be much different to pet bunnies and should be able to handle them just was good. As they have fur and their eyes are opening then im guessing thre about 2-3 weeks old. but they will still need milk about every 3-4 hours. Phone your vet and see what milk they think is best for the hares im guessing that felix cat milk will be the best but make sure.you will slowly be able to feed them small amounts of food. If you decided to give it a go then alot of time and patients is need.

hope this helps

let me know if i can help you some more.

sarah