PATIENT OF THE WEEK 03/21/25
Orphaned Desert Cottontails
Recently, three orphaned Desert Cottontails were brought to Tucson Wildlife Center after being attacked by dogs—two siblings (photo) came in together, and a third newborn (video) was found separately. Thankfully, they are now safe and receiving care.
Desert Cottontails are born hairless, blind, and completely dependent on their mother. Their eyes don’t open until 7-10 days old, and in their first weeks of life, they remain hidden in shallow nests lined with their mother’s fur. Their mother only needs to feed them twice a day so that she has time to care for herself as well. Once they begin moving around, these young rabbits may appear wobbly at first, but they quickly gain coordination and are ready to leave the nest by 3-4 weeks old. In rehabilitation, orphaned Cottontails are nipple-fed a specialized formula mimicking their mother’s milk. As they grow, they transition to a natural diet of grasses and native vegetation to prepare them for release.
Dog attacks are one of the most common causes of injury to young wildlife. Since Cottontail nests are often hidden in grass or under bushes, they can be easy for curious dogs to find. To help protect young wildlife, always supervise pets when they are outside. Checking your yard before letting dogs out and keeping them leashed on walks can prevent tragic encounters.
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