Rabbits with Tentacles or Horns Spotted in Fort Collins: What’s Going On?
The Strange Findings: What Locals Are Seeing
In Fort Collins, Colorado, residents have recently encountered something straight out of a modern fairy tale—or perhaps a horror flick. Rabbits with protruding black, tentacle-like spikes—or what some might call “horns”—growing from their heads and faces have caught the eyes and imaginations of the public. ABC10AP NewsAxios
Up Close: Descriptions from Fort Collins Residents
One observer, Susan Mansfield, described the disturbing growths as “black spines or ‘quills’ around its mouth,” resembling “black toothpicks” sticking out in all directions. Astonishingly, she noted this rabbit survived through the winter and returned the next year, growths included. ABC10
The Science Behind the Bumps
What Is Shope Papillomavirus?
These bizarre formations are caused by Shope papillomavirus (also known as cottontail rabbit papillomavirus). This virus triggers wart-like, keratin-rich growths on a rabbit’s head and face. AP NewsPeople.comAxios
How It Spreads: Ticks, Fleas, and More
Infection is typically spread through biting arthropods—think ticks and fleas—and perhaps occasional direct contact. Summer tick booms, representative of shifting climate patterns, could explain why more cases are appearing now. AxiosNew York Post
A Historic Disease with Modern Echoes
From 1930s Studies to Today
This virus has a well-documented history—studied as early as the 1930s, it even aided scientists in understanding cancer-causing viruses. AP NewsWikipediaFarm Animal Report
The Myth of the Jackalope
Folklore often masks truth. The jackalope—those mythical rabbits with antlers—are likely inspired by sightings of rabbits afflicted with Shope papillomavirus. The resemblance is uncanny, triggering folk legends that persist to this day. WikipediaCowboy State DailyThe Medieval Times
Risks and Realities
Are These Rabbits Dangerous to Humans or Pets?
Thankfully, no—experts affirm that the virus isn’t transmissible to humans, dogs, or other wildlife. Still, caution is advised: don’t touch or feed these wild animals. AP NewsPeople.comAxios
Health Impacts on the Rabbits Themselves
Most rabbits survive and may even spontaneously lose the growths when cooler weather returns. However, if tumors obstruct eating or vision, it can become a critical health concern. In domestic rabbits, these growths might even turn malignant. New York PostBGRAxios
What Wildlife Officials Say
Colorado Parks & Wildlife Guidance
CPW confirms these growths result from a virus and reassures the public there’s no threat to people or pets. However, wildlife officials advise giving infected rabbits space and avoiding interaction. ABC1011AliveAP News
Why You Shouldn’t Approach or Handle
Handling or feeding could exacerbate spread or induce stress on the animals. Plus, it risks cross-contamination or unintentional injury to both rabbit and human. Let nature be. The SunThe Economic Times
Social Media Buzz: Fear, Fascination, Folklore
Nicknames: “Frankenbunnies,” “Zombie Rabbits”
Social platforms erupted with memes and reactions—some dubbing them “Frankenstein bunnies” or “zombie rabbits.” While thrilling to look at, wildlife experts emphasize it’s real biology, not a supernatural threat. AP NewsIndiatimes
Virus vs. Creature
Folklore fans may draw a line from jackalopes to SPF-afflicted rabbits—but the real story is viral science, not mythological beasties. Still, the connection between the two is fascinating, rooted in sightings like these. WikipediaPeople.com
What to Do (and Not Do) If You Spot One
Observing Safely
If you see one of these rabbits, snap a photo from a distance, or simply watch quietly. Avoid feeding, touching, or cornering them. It’s the safest move for you and the rabbit. AP NewsPeople.comAxios
Reporting Sightings
Consider notifying Colorado Parks & Wildlife. It helps them track spread patterns and keep both wildlife and public safe. The Times of IndiaThe Economic Times
Broader Implications
Wildlife Health and Climate Change
Summer tick surges and warmer winters give viruses like this more opportunities to spread. Observations like these rabbits may tell a broader story about shifting ecosystems.
Learning From Nature (and Folklore)
These rabbits blend myth and biology. A real-life inspiration for folklore like the jackalope, they also highlight how viruses help us learn—even in unexpected ways.
Summary of Key Points
- Rabbits in Fort Collins are exhibiting bizarre growths—wart-like “tentacles” or “horns.”
- The culprit? Shope papillomavirus, a known rabbit-specific virus.
- It’s harmless to humans but can sometimes hamper a rabbit’s health.
- The phenomenon feeds both folklore (jackalope myth) and real scientific interest.
- Best response: watch from afar, no touching, report sightings.
Conclusion
Nature sure knows how to surprise us—these tentacled rabbits are fascinating, eerie, and grounded in real biology. What looks like a mythical beast is actually a chapter in viral science. Let them hop on, and let curiosity do the rest.
FAQs
1. What causes these horn-like growths on rabbits?
They’re caused by the Shope papillomavirus, leading to wart-like, keratin-rich protrusions. People.comAP NewsAxios
2. Can these rabbits infect humans or pets?
No—this virus is species-specific and doesn’t transmit to humans, dogs, or other wildlife. AP NewsAxios
3. Do the lesions harm the rabbits?
Typically, rabbits recover—yet if growths block eating or vision, they can jeopardize survival. Serious cases especially in domestic rabbits may require veterinary care. New York PostBGRAxios
4. How does this relate to the jackalope myth?
Historical sightings of rabbits with these viral-induced horn-like tumors likely inspired the jackalope legend. WikipediaCowboy State DailyThe Medieval Times
5. What should I do if I spot one?
Watch at a safe distance. Don’t touch or feed them. Report sightings to wildlife authorities to help monitor the situation.
