Couple Rescues Baby Bunnies During Storm & Now They're Thriving In Their Burrow
Some people truly love animals, and we thank them for showing kindness to all creatures whenever they can. To demonstrate what these acts of kindness can look like, we're sharing this TikTok story about a couple who rescued some baby bunnies during a storm when their burrow got flooded. A small act saved many of the bunnies' lives.
@bchimkawaii 4 of them that we found were still alive <3 unfortunately there was a fifth one that was too deep in its burrow that didn't make it 💔 #husband #mywhy #bunny #savinganimals #marriage
"My husband searched through our neighbors flooded yard in pouring rain during a severe thunderstorm to save baby bunnies from drowning in their burrow," notes the caption, as a soaking wet man is seen sifting through floodwaters in the distance. "He knew I was concerned about them and went no questions asked." In the end, they were able to save four of the five baby bunnies, even noting in a separate post that they were successfully able to reunite the babies with their mama.
"A man who cares for animals is a giant walking green flag, a prince amongst men," said one person in the comments, with another following up with, "Love this man's soul. So very much. It cost nothing to be kind and show compassion." Meanwhile, bunny owners everywhere dropped notes to simply say "thank you," and we're sure if the bunnies could talk, they'd say the same thing too.
How baby bunnies survive in a burrow
Baby bunnies have a surprisingly simple strategy for surviving their first few weeks of life in the wild: stay quiet and hidden. Luckily, newborn rabbits have very little scent, making them harder for predators to detect.
Wild cottontails often raise their babies in shallow nests rather than deep burrows, with a mother rabbit making a small depression in the ground and filling it with dry grass and soft fur pulled from her body. This cozy covering helps keep the babies — called kits — warm while also blending the nest into its surroundings. One of the most surprising things about rabbit parenting is how rarely the mother stays with her babies, usually just visiting them to nurse and then leaving again. Her brief visits reduce the chance of drawing attention and allowing predators to find the babies.
Thankfully, baby bunnies grow quickly, despite being born blind and hairless. Within a week, their eyes open, and after about three weeks, they leave the nest and begin living independently. If you ever encounter a distressed baby bunny in the wild, here's how to determine the age of a baby cottontail rabbit. Since we're sure you can't get enough of bunnies right now, check out these pictures of bunnies that will hop right into your heart, and some baby bunnies sleeping like absolute weirdos.
If you encounter an injured or sick wild animal, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for help. To find assistance in your area, visit the Humane Society of the United States website or Animal Help Now's online directory.