Massachusetts Wildlife Center Sees 'Earliest Litter' of Bunnies

Has spring already sprung?

The New England Wildlife Center is not yet ready for it — but apparently, one family of Massachusetts bunnies already is, despite a quick freeze amid one of the warmest winters in recent memory.

In a Sunday afternoon Facebook post, the center noted that although it was six degrees below zero on Saturday, at least one rabbit couple had gotten spring started early.

A Massachusetts resident found a nest of baby bunnies with her dog over the weekend in what the center called "the earliest litter of rabbit kits we have ever seen at our hospitals."

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Unfortunately, only one baby rabbit survived Saturday's extreme cold — and what the NEWC said was likely a non-dog-related predator attack.

"This little fellow was the lone survivor of the bunch," the center wrote under a photo of the tiny bunny. "Despite his ordeal he is doing quite well."

The rascally rabbit has been warmed up and hydrated and is "now full of energy," according to the NEWC.

They plan on keeping the baby until he grows old enough to survive on his own.

Due to his early start in life, the center noted, he has gotten ahead of the competition, and "may even be old enough to have a litter of his own" by summer's end.

The NEWC reminded Massachusetts residents to look out for other early babies and any wildlife struggling in the cold.

"It goes to show you never know what surprises nature has in store," the center wrote.

Signs That Spring Has Sprung on the SouthCoast

We're all looking for signs that spring is on its way to the SouthCoast. There are some telltale things that suggest that spring is about to be sprung.

Massachusetts Wildlife You Can Legally Take Home as Pets

Massachusetts has such diverse wildlife, but also strict limitations on what you can bring home and cuddle. In fact, there are only certain reptiles and amphibians you can keep as pets (so no raccoons, squirrels, bunnies, etc.) and you are only allowed two of each. The state also says "you cannot sell, barter, or exchange them." Also, keep in mind, these are wildlife, so it's probably best to just leave them be and maybe visit a reptile shop instead to get your next pet.