The baby rabbit followed me home!

[Baitball Blogger]

First, I'm glad to see it again. I thought the hawk got it two weeks ago.

Second, this one just assumes I'll feed it if it shows itself out in the open. When I went into the house to get food the little guy followed me to the door and waited. He remembers from when he was a tyke.

Adorably cute.

I call him a "baby," but it's well into its teenage years. It's really sad, but every year it seems like only one baby rabbit makes it this far each year. It's a very hostile environment for them out there, and not a whole lot of cover.

[In_The_Wind]

1. I'm glad Baby found a friend.

You've got a good heart B B.

[Baitball Blogger]

3. Thanks ITW.

The next thing I'll try is to see if he needs a lookout. Two years ago another little rabbit came close enough just to nap, knowing that no one would mess with him as long as I was around.

The only problem is that you have to remain real quiet, even when there's a mosquito flying around. Not an easy thing to do in the middle of summer.

[pinboy3niner]

2. Cool!

When I clicked I was expecting to see an image of a bunny with a LOLcat...LOL!

[Baitball Blogger]

4. I think I'll be able to take piccies the next time.

It is just really hard getting attached to them knowing that hawks prowl during the day, owls at night and the cat is 24/7.

[RiffRandell]

5. Is this the same one that got sprayed with the lawn chemicals?

I always wondered what happened to her/him.....that story made me sad.

[Baitball Blogger]

6. I saw that one again, so I know it survived the spraying.

But its coat had some coral in it, making it a lighter colored rabbit than most, and I can't say that I have seen her since.

The rabbit with the split ear has been easier to spot. His ear healed, somewhat imperfectly, so I know when he's around.

I get the impression that these rabbits circulate the development. They just keep moving, never staying in one place for long and, thus, never leaving behind a scent that is easily picked up by a predator.

[LWolf]

7. Does it need company?

I've got a huge population I'd love to send to you.

They are under the house, in the barn, under the shop, in the chicken coop...I can't go anywhere on the place without them scattering before me.

[Baitball Blogger]

8. You must be short a few predators.

[LWolf]

9. Well, there are plenty of owls and hawks.

My place is fenced, so coyotes don't get in.

When I moved here there was a colony of feral cats that kept the rodents under control. I trapped, spayed, neutered, released...within a couple of years they were gone; owls like cats as well as rodents.

My cat is an indoor cat because of that. I'm sure she'd be happy to stalk the bunnies, but I don't want to lose her to the hawks or owls.

[Baitball Blogger]

10. Well, I'm happy that somewhere out there rabbits have found a friendlier place

than my neighborhood has provided. Enjoy them for me.

[MadrasT]

11. Yay!

A litter or two of baby bunnies appeared at my house this spring, and seems like most of them are still hoppin' around the yard (as much larger, half grown bunnies now). I never remember having so many bunnies at my house before.

I put out assorted vegetable snacks for them (and the resident groundhog) once in a while, but mostly just let them eat the abundant clover that takes up much of what is supposed to be my lawn.