Signs that a rabbit is orphaned: Baby rabbits will have burrows or nests. If you see a baby rabbit without their mother, leave the baby alone and check back in a few hours to see if the mother returns. If the mother does not return, the baby is thin or weak (may look shriveled or have a disproportionately large head), if the baby shows any signs of injury or illness, or the mother is clearly dead, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.