So why do we say to leave a baby hare where you found it?

**** Via Hope for Wildlife Found a hare? Leave it there! Spring has sprung, and that means wild babies, like this tiny orphaned snowshoe hare we admitted over the weekend, are being born everywhere. So why do we say to leave a baby hare where you found it? Because the natural world doesn’t always work the way we expect. Many wild animals raise their young differently than humans might think, and understanding those differences can help prevent well-meaning but harmful separations. Baby snowshoe hares are born fully furred, eyes open, and able to hop around within hours. But they’re still too small and vulnerable to follow their mother while she searches for the food she needs to produce milk. Instead, she hides each baby in a safe spot and returns only a few times a day, usually in the evening, to nurse them. It’s completely normal to find a baby hare alone for long stretches of time. Unless the hare is clearly injured or you’re certain the mother is dead, it’s best to leave it alone. She knows exactly where she left them. And please, don’t handle them. Hares are prey animals, and their instinct is to freeze and stay hidden. That might make them seem calm or friendly, but they’re actually terrified. Handling is very stressful and can be harmful, especially for young hares. If you're ever unsure whether a hare needs help, call your local wildlife rescue or rehabilitation centre for advice. We’re always happy to help.