Jack Rabbit BAby??

Question
We found what we think is a Jack Rabbit baby...he was crawling along the ground...his eyes are still closed.  We are in Yuma and it is very hot so I put on gloves and returned him to a hole we found in the ground that was not there a few days ago.  We are giving the area space in hopes the monther will return.  He is so much bigger that the baby rabbits we have seen...almost like a small newborn puppy....guess about 4-5 inches long.  Is this a Jack Rabbit baby?

Answer
Dear Evy,

Jackrabbits are hares, and as such, they are born fully furred, eyes open, and able to move around relatively freely.  You can see a picture of a baby jackrabbit here:

www.bio.miami.edu/dana/106

to compare with the one you have.  If the eyes are glued shut, he may have been injured or gotten matter in his eyes that needs to be washed out and the eyes treated to prevent corneal ulcers and possible permanent blindness.

Jackrabbits do not leave their babies in holes:  they leave them aboveground in grass tufts or under shrubbery.  I hope the hole you put the baby in wasn't that of a predator!

It's possible that this is a baby desert cottontail, but these are very small and helpless at birth, and your description doesn't really fit.

If you are not sure what this baby is, then I would strongly suggest you contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.  The very best one who is *excellent* with any type of wild rabbit or hare is Regina Whitman of Desert Cry Wildlife.  Please contact her here:

Desert Cry
34462 N. Lazy Loop
Queen Creek, AZ 85242
(480)987-3544
desertcry@earthlink.net

It's possible she may be able to pick up the baby, or set up a "relay rescue" to get the baby to her care.  She is the BEST for baby jackrabbits, and if this baby can be saved, Regina can do it.  I hope there is still time.

Please let me know how he does, if you have a chance.

Dana