This tiny jackrabbit was picked up by a very caring young woman. Unfortunately, she then made a serious mistake by thinking she could care for the little animal instead of immediately contacting a qualified wildlife rehabilitator.

After holding the bunny for several days and feeding it baby milk formula the woman noticed that the little guy seemed to be rapidly deteriorating. Only then did she contact the Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue and arrange for its care to be taken over by a qualified person.

When the tiny rabbit arrived with a rehabilitator he was in very poor condition, suffering from malnutrition and extreme dehydration. His condition was too advanced to be reversed and he expired two days later.

This is not an unusual incident and every year rehabilitators must cope with the almost impossible task of trying to save an animal that is beyond saving. Good Samaritans find an orphaned bird or animal and try to help it. Usually, despite their good intentions, they end up doing the animal more harm than good and delay it from receiving proper treatment. In some states they may actually be in violation of the law if they are holding certain birds and other wildlife.

If you encounter an orphaned or apparently abandoned animal never attempt to care for it yourself. Call animal control officials, the local office of your state Fish and Game, a veterinary clinic or a wildlife rehabilitator and notify them of the animal's location. Besides requiring special care and diet, these animals could expose you and your family to disease and parasites.