Hello, we had a cottontail's nest in our front yard with 4 rabbits. The kids would check on them and play with them from time to time and they were getting chunky so the mother was feeding them. They opened their eyes several days ago, but I don't think they were old enough to be forced out of the nest yet. They really liked being cuddled up in there! Although, they were becoming very mobile. Today, my husband was mowing the grass. Even though I asked him not to mow around the nest, he did anyway and they all bolted in different directions. Now, I'm very upset and worried sick that they won't survive thinking the worst that the mother won't find them and they won't be able to nurse anymore and will die. What are the chances the mother will round them up? Will she ever find them?

If they were mobile enough to leave the nest to get away from the mower, they were probably pretty close to leaving the nest anyway. They only stay in the nest about two weeks. They won't go back to the nest. And the female won't round them up. But young rabbits figure out very quickly how to take care of themselves. I think they will be fine. You may even see them hanging around in the yard for a few days. Tell the kids not to worry.

Thank you so much for posting this question and answer! This EXACT same thing happened to me today when I was mowing and I have been worried about those lil bunnies all day since then. I've been googling all afternoon trying to find out if the bunnies are ok. So glad I found this answer, finally!

I want to thank you as well. My husband ran over the nest with the lawnmower and three babies ran into our neighbors yard. I went over to their house to see if they saw them anywhere and they said they found one huddled in their garden but not the other two. I too have been sick and have been watching for their return to no avail. I hope and pray that they are alright.

I’m glad to hear this. the same thing happened to me, they took off running while mowing. One of them is in a very small area between my outside garage wall and a driveway. It’s about a 2 inch wide space but it turned around because it was facing the other way. If it’s still in there tomorrow should I try to shoo it out? I don’t want it to die in there. It’s so cute.