Nightmare rabbits with black tentacles flood US parks as virus creates terrifying face growths — public told to stay away

In Fort Collins, Colorado, locals have been shocked by sightings of wild rabbits sporting bizarre, horn-like protrusions on their heads and faces. The unsettling look has given them nicknames such as “Frankenstein rabbits,” “zombie bunnies,” and even “demon rabbits” through social media. Videos and photos have spread quickly, sparking a mix of curiosity and concern among the viewers.

Cause Identified by Experts

Wildlife authorities have traced the culprit: Shope papilloma virus, an illness that affects only rabbits. The virus prompts the growth of wart-like tumors which can be hardened into keratin spikes. While their appearance may look unnatural, this condition has been known for decades, with early studies dating back to the 1930s.

According to biologists, the growths cannot cause harm to humans or other animals, but they can significantly influence an infected rabbit’s quality of life if they obstruct vision, eating, or grooming, if growth becomes severe.

How the Virus Spreads

The Shope papilloma virus is typically spread by biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. Warmer seasons thrive in ideal conditions for these pests to move between rabbits, passing along the virus in the process. Initially, the infection may result in small lumps on the skin, but over time, these can grow into the dramatic, spiky protrusions seen in recent sightings.

Most rabbits recover naturally, though severe infections mainly in domestic rabbits can lead to malnutrition, secondary infections, or in rare cases, cancer.

Official Warnings to the Public

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is advising people to keep their distance from these rabbits. Officials stress that people should not try to feed, touch, or capture them. Interacting directly can cause unnecessary stress to the animal and cause spreading the virus to healthy rabbit populations.

“In most cases, the best thing to do is observe from afar,” a CPW representative advised. “They are part of our natural environment, and interfering can make matters worse.”

Anyone who finds a rabbit that appears severely impaired or injured is encouraged to contact licensed wildlife rehabilitators rather than attempting a personal rescue.

Health and Safety Concerns

While the Shope papilloma virus is harmless to people, handling any wild animal can expose humans to parasites like fleas, ticks, or other pathogens. Additionally, close contact elevates the chance of inadvertently spreading the virus to uninfected rabbits, especially if pets or domestic rabbits are involved.

Experts also warn against attempting to “rescue” the rabbits, as improper care can cause more harm to the animals.

FAQs:

Q1. What are the “Frankenstein” rabbits?
A1. Wild rabbits with unusual horn-like growths caused by a virus.

Q2. Where have these rabbits been spotted?
A2. In Fort Collins, Colorado, and surrounding areas.