Fumika Takahashi recalled a gray January day when she set out to rescue rabbits. The federal wildlife biologist kayaked along the lower San Joaquin River, which had risen close to the treetops. She and other experts hoped to find a rare species called the riparian brush rabbit. … She works for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which ended up catching about 100 rabbits in January with help from other entities. About 180 more followed as the storms continued into March, relocated to land less prone to flooding. A few died. … The rescue took place at the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge. It stretches across about 7,500 acres in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.