Rabbit
Young rabbits, known as kittens, will typically have beige fur and pink around the nose. They are born with their eyes closed and without fur in a burrow. They will often be left alone in the burrow for periods if time, and feed twice a day.
Rabbits look after themselves from a very young age, so always avoid touching them and properly establish the situation before intervening, as it is normal for the parents to leave them for periods of time and come back.
If you find a rabbit, young or old, which is clearly injured or suffering from illness it will need help, most likely from a vet. Please check our advice on road accidents and myxomatosis below, and follow the advice there. If it is not either of these things you need help with please contact us.
If you see a rabbit that looks ill, please read the advice section on myxomatosis below, incase they are suffering.
Hare
A young hare, known as a leveret, is born with its eyes open and with fur. The mother will leave them in a shallow hole in the ground and they feed at night.
It is common for leverets to be left for long periods of time, so do not touch unless completely necessary as it is highly likely the parents will return.
If you find a rabbit, young or old, which is clearly injured or suffering from illness it will need help, most likely from a vet. Please check our advice on road accident, animal attacks and myxomatosis below, and follow the advice there. If it is not either of these things you need help with please contact us.
If you see a hare that looks ill, please read the advice section on myxomatosis below, incase they are suffering.
Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is a highly contagious disease which typically displays symptoms such as swelling of the eyes and nose, and the animal will likely be lethargic. Myxomatosis is fatal but causes extreme suffering, the best thing to do is get it to a vet to end its suffering.
Road Accidents
If you find a hare or rabbit, visually injured from a road accident, please get it to a vet as soon as possible. Let them know about WeCare, most local vets know us anyway, and if suitable for rehab they will contact us.
Dog./Cat/Animal Attack
If you find a hare or rabbit, visually injured from an animal attack please get it to a vet as soon as possible. Let them know about WeCare, most local vets know us anyway, and if suitable for rehab they will contact us.