Posted by Gabbee on June 7, 2008, at 13:49:23
In reply to Re: I found this about touching bunnies, posted by Deneb on June 7, 2008, at 6:47:05
As with birds it's true that touching bunnies won't automatically cause the mother to leave, It is a misconception based on a truth though. Too much intrusion which definitely includes handling around a nest or burrow can cause the mother to leave.
Wild animals don't give birth in areas that are subject to intrusion by anything; with the exception of animals that have been forced to adapt to city living. Even domesticated animals will still instinctively find a quiet sheltered place to give birth ie, the closet, not the kitchen. There's a reason for this.
It reminds me of a story I read about sea turtles.
Newly hatched sea turtles are subject to being eaten by hawks. An observer saw one tiny sea turtle walking out of the birth area alone while a hawk hovered overhead. She picked it up and put it back with the others.In just a few minutes all the babies walked out and were demolished by hawks. She didn't know that if she'd left them alone only one would have died, that's how the turtles know if there is danger in the area, one goes out, if it's attacked the others know to stay hidden.
Personally I think our fellow creatures would do better with a lot less "love" and a little more respect.
We think like humans, and forcing what we think is a good idea onto different but equal creatures is another shining example of the human superiority complex.
poster:Gabbee
thread:832937
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20080601/msgs/833481.html