If you find a wild cottontail rabbit (or other wildlife)
We are unable to take in any kind of wildlife. Below is a list of wildlife centers in Washington state. We wish we had the time and room but we are not licensed nor do we have the room to properly care for these wonderful creatures.
Outside of Washington? Check out this great tool for finding the right wildlife center near you: Animal Help Now
Information on how to help orphaned cottontails (Washington state’s most common local wild rabbit breed):
NOTE! Most nests of baby bunnies are NOT abandoned by mom! Mom stays away and comes in to feed her babies at regular intervals. And don’t worry too much if you’ve touched ‘abandoned’ babies….mom will get over it. Read lots more here:
How do you know if it’s wild or domestic?
Wild rabbits in Seattle and surrounding areas are usually brown, and may have some white on the tummy and/or forehead. Look up “Eastern Cottontail” and this is most likely, what your wild bunny will look like (see photos here). Most other wild bunnies in WA State look strikingly similar to the Easter Cottontail in coloration as well. Unsure? Take a pic and send it to your local wildlife rescue (listed below).
“Washington State is home to eight species—six native species: Nuttall’s Cottontail, Pygmy Rabbit, Pika, Snowshoe Hare, Black-tailed Jackrabbit and White-tailed Jackrabbit and two non-native or introduced species: Eastern Cottontail and Domestic Rabbit.” PAWS
In Washington here are a few places that take wild rabbits:
Arlington
Sarvey Wildlife Care Center
Contact: Kaye Baxter
Phone: 360-435-4817
Websiite: www.sarveywildlife.org
Wildlife Species: raptors, general mammals, raptor flight cages, medical
Kent / South Seattle
South Sound Critter Care for King County
Website: www.southsoundcrittercare.com
Address: 28727 216th Ave. SE, Kent, WA 98042
South Sound Critter Care is a 501c3 non profit and they are permitted to take in cottontails.
Kitsap County / Bainbridge Island
Island Wildlife Shelter
Contact: Sandra Kay Fletcher (Director)
Phone: 206-855-9057
Email: islwildlifecontact@yahoo.com
Wildlife Species: all species including raptors but no large carnivores
THIS YEAR ONLY: no orphaned passerines or mammals, orphaned raptors OK
Snohomish County / Lynwood
PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society)
Contact: Sandra Kay Fletcher (Director)
Phone: 206-855-9057
Email: info@paws.org
Website: www.paws.org
Wildlife Species: all species. PAWS treats approximately 5000 injured and orphaned patients each year.
Snohomish County (Stanwood)
Happy Valley Bats and Sarvey Wildlife Center
Contact: Meg Lunnum, (sub-permitee)
Phone: 360-652-7690
Email: megmyotis@happyvalleybats.org
Website: happyvalleybats.org
Wildlife Species: Bats. Will answer any questions about bats. Will also pick up bats locally and make arrangements for those that are further away