One of the unexpected joys of being a Realtor in Polk County, Florida is the time I get to spend in different yards and neighborhoods. This week, I found a surprise in my own front yard—at the base of a big oak tree, a mother rabbit had carefully built a nest for her babies.
As a photographer, I couldn’t resist capturing a portrait of the mother keeping watch, along with some quick phone shots of the tiny bunnies nestled safely in the grass. It was a gentle reminder that the spaces around our homes are not just for us—they’re part of a much bigger community of life.
Florida Rabbits: Cottontails vs. Marsh Rabbits
Here in Central Florida, we commonly see two types of wild rabbits:
- Eastern Cottontails – These are the rabbits you’ll often spot in residential yards and gardens, just like the one in my front yard. You can also find them at beautiful places like Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, right here in Polk County.
- Marsh Rabbits – These rabbits prefer wetland areas and are often seen at nature spots like Circle B Bar Reservein Lakeland, another favorite Polk County destination for wildlife lovers.
The babies I discovered are Eastern Cottontails, which are known for building their nests in grassy areas or at the base of trees—like my oak tree. Encounters like this are part of the charm of living in Polk County, where nature and neighborhoods go hand in hand.
What to Do if You Find a Rabbit Nest in Your Yard
- Leave it undisturbed. Baby rabbits may look abandoned, but the mother usually returns at dawn and dusk to feed them.
- Protect the area. Try to keep pets and kids away until the babies are old enough to leave the nest.
- Observe from a distance. It’s tempting to peek in, but too much disturbance can stress the mother and babies.
What Not to Do
- Don’t move the nest—it’s carefully built for warmth and safety.
- Don’t feed the babies—only their mother knows exactly what they need.
Nature & Neighborhoods in Polk County
Finding baby rabbits under the oak tree was a reminder that homeownership isn’t just about the house itself—it’s about the environment that comes with it. Every yard in Polk County—from Lakeland to Lake Wales—is part of a living neighborhood where people and wildlife coexist.
If you’re searching for homes for sale in Polk County with yards big enough to enjoy local wildlife, or simply want to live closer to nature, I’d love to help you find the perfect property. Polk County real estate offers the best of both worlds: thriving communities and the beauty of Florida’s backyard wildlife.
Sometimes the best part of stepping outside your front door isn’t just the view of your home—it’s the little surprises nature has waiting.
