How to help baby rabbits

 I found a nest of baby rabbits and I don't see the mother

Mother rabbits do not stay with their young. They visit their nests infrequently (usually at dusk and dawn). To make sure that the mother is tending her young, take four long pieces of dental floss or small twigs and lay them over the nest in a "tic tac toe". Check the nest in the morning. If the tic tac toe shape has been moved (significantly), the mother has in all likelihood nursed the infants. If it has not been disturbed, contact Harmony Wildlife for advice. Text us: (615)266-5701. 

I uncovered or disturbed a rabbit nest

If the rabbits are injured: remove all injured animals and follow temporary care instructions. These animals should be cared for by a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. You can contact Harmony Wildlife by texting a photo and brief description of what happened to (615) 266-5701. In the meantime, contact  other licensed rehabbers listed on the TWRA website https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/find-a-rehabilitator.html or Animal Help Now https://ahnow.org. Your goal is to find care as quickly as possible.

If the rabbits are not injured: try to restore the nest to resemble its original design, then replace the uninjured rabbits. To make sure the mother is feeding the young you can perform the same test described above. 

How to create a protective barrier for a rabbit nest

Place a plastic laundry basket (or a similar item) over the rabbit nest and weight it down with a heavy object to keep in place. Make sure there is a small entrance for the mother rabbit. Keep your distance so mother rabbit feels safe to return.  The basket can remain until the babies have been weaned and move on. You can see example below:

I found an orphaned rabbit 

Rabbit mothers nurse their young then quickly leave the nest so as not to attract attention to their nest. Young rabbits also begin to leave the nest and return at a very young age.  If you have to chase the rabbit to catch it, it probably doesn't need help. 

A dog or cat found the nest

If possible the pet needs to be keep away from the nest, rather than kidnapping the young. Young rabbits will be on their own three weeks after birth. Young rabbits have a much greater chance of survival being cared for by their mother.