Six Rescued Baby Bunnies Return to Wild After Dog Attack

Six baby rabbits are hopping free in Steinbach after recovering from injuries that could have ended their lives.

The bunnies arrived at Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in Île des Chênes on April 27 following a dog attack. After several weeks of treatment and care, the wildlife hospital released them back into the wild earlier this month, fully healed and ready for their second chance.

Their successful recovery shows how vital wildlife rehabilitation can be when animals face genuine emergencies. But Wildlife Haven Communications Coordinator Kelly O'Donnell says their story also highlights a surprising problem: most baby rabbits brought to the center don't actually need help.

Spring brings a flood of baby bunny patients to Wildlife Haven. People discover nests tucked into flower beds, tall grass, and backyards. The tiny rabbits appear alone and vulnerable, so concerned residents scoop them up and rush them to the wildlife hospital.

The reality surprises most people. Mother rabbits deliberately stay away from their nests during the day to avoid attracting predators to their babies. They return only at dawn and dusk to feed their young, making it look like the babies have been abandoned when they're actually being carefully protected.

"People see these little baby bunnies and they think, 'Oh, they must be orphaned,'" O'Donnell explains. "But realistically, they're perfectly fine. Their mom is caring for them from a distance."

In one recent case, concerned residents brought baby rabbits to Wildlife Haven. Examinations revealed full stomachs and healthy bodies. The staff sent the babies home with instructions to return them to their nest where their mother was waiting.

The Bright Side

Wildlife Haven currently cares for 55 baby bunnies and expects more throughout the summer. While well-intentioned rescues sometimes separate healthy animals from their parents, the center sees each call as a chance to educate and protect wildlife. Staff walk callers through signs of genuine distress versus normal animal behavior, ensuring animals get help when they truly need it without unnecessary intervention.

The same pattern happens with fledgling birds learning to fly. They may look abandoned on the ground, but their parents are usually watching nearby, continuing to feed and protect them.

O'Donnell urges anyone unsure about an animal's condition to call Wildlife Haven's intake line at 204-202-3806, extension 1, before moving it. A quick conversation with experienced staff can mean the difference between helping and accidentally harming.

Sometimes the best rescue is knowing when to simply walk away and let nature work.