Can wild rabbits be fixed?

Question
Dana,
Thanks for the quick response. The plan with this rabbit when we started to raise him was to release him. We live in the country surrounded by woods and when we did let him loose outside he hid under our porch for 1 1/2 days until I was able to coax him out with carrots.  I understand the wild animal instincts and would do whatever is best for this rabbit but honestly this guy has adapted so well to the home environment that I am torn. While a wild rabbit by its very nature is a nervous creature, this one is relatively relaxed when not running around playing. Yes, he hates to be held but also seems to enjoy the attempts as he keeps running back to me as I try to scoop him up. I won't ramble on and on about his personality but I will say that the time we have had him in the home makes me think that SOME wild animals are capable of being "pets". Of course my opinion is biased but if you could see how this rabbit acts in our home I think you would understand why I want to keep him inside vs releasing him to fend for himself in the wild. I understand that you don't want to encourage people to keep wild animals but wouldn't you agree there are exceptions? I'm not looking for confirmation of what we're doing, just any insight you may have with these animals. This little guy seems to be thriving in our home - I just need to address the spraying issue!
Thanks again,
Brian-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi,
Our outside cat was nice enough to bring us a wild bunny that was about 3 weeks old. He (I think!) was uninjured but terrified. We have raised him inside and he has been wonderful! Using the litter box wasn't a problem and he gets along pretty well with our FIVE indoor cats. He is now almost four months old and is free to roam inside the house all day. The problem is that he is starting to mark his territory. Can wild rabbits be fixed? He is very affectionate in his own way but hates to be held and I'm concerned about caring for the wound since he is like that. We have tried to release him outside but it was too traumatic for all of us so he is back inside. We have a good vet in the area but I don't know if this procedure can be done with the wild rabbits.
Thanks.
Answer -
Dear Brian,

Any mammal can be neutered.  But the question you need to ask is:  should he be?  He is a wild cottontail, and unless he is *extremely* bonded to you he is best let free in an area where he won't be caught by cats.  A licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area might be able to help with suggestions for a safe, good-quality area where he will be happy and easily able to find his own kind.

I would make sure his wound is healed well first, but please note that it is illegal to keep wildlife without a permit.  I would also worry about how well a little wild, nervous cottontail would do under anesthesia.  It's risky.  I think if you love him, you'll have to consider this carefully and do what's best for your friend.

I know how hard this is.  We had a wild cottontail who "adopted" us and stayed wild in our yard until he had a mystery accident and broke a leg.  We tried to save the leg to no avail, and it had to be amputated.  He stayed with us for several months afterward, but we knew he longed to be free even though he loved us.  

Look into your buddy's little brown eyes, and he'll tell you the answer.  I hope this helps.  Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana

Answer
Dear Brian,

I can completely understand what you mean.  Our Cottie was *much* happier being with us.  I can't "legally" recommend that you keep him, and I guess I felt obliged to let you know that it's technically illegal to keep him.  But what you actually do will be between you and the bunny.

Any mammal can be spayed.  The only concern is the risk of anesthesia, so you will need to find a good vet who is experienced with rabbits and consult with that vet.  You can find one in your area here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope that helps.  Good luck!

Dana