Firstly, thank you for your concern. A domesticated bunny won’t survive for long in the wild – but here are some questions to help you decide what you should do next.
A wild cottontail (not a domestic rabbit)
Is it a wild bunny?
If the bunny is a wild species and isn’t ill, you may need to do nothing at all. Also, a wild baby bunny may not be orphaned. If you find a nest and don’t know if it’s abandoned, sprinkle a ring of flour around it. The next day, check to see if the flour has been disturbed, which would indicate that the mother returned to her nest to nurse (mothers only nurse once a day and do not stay with the nest). If you still think it’s an orphaned or injured cottontail or jackrabbit, contact either Wildlife Rescue of New Mexico / 505-344-2500 (Albuquerque area) or New Mexico Wildlife Center / (505) 753-9505 (Santa Fe area). If you are unable to get the assistance you need, you can read more about caring for orphaned cottontails here.
If you need help determining whether the rabbit is wild or domestic, send photos to us either on Facebook or to kirstin@newmexicohrs.org
If it’s a domestic bunny, can you catch it?
If it’s on your property, you may be able to catch it. See our page How to Round Up a Stray. When secured you can take it to your local animal care shelter.
Santa Fe Animal Shelter: (505) 768-1975, Albuquerque Animal Shelter: (505) 768-1975 or search for your local animal control.
If it’s a domestic bunny and you still can’t catch it…
In emergencies, call 312-771-8888 to speak to an NMHRS volunteer who can further assist you.