Nightmare rabbits with black tentacles flood US parks as virus creates terrifying face growths — public told to stay away
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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.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.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. 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.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.A1. Wild rabbits with unusual horn-like growths caused by a virus.A2. In Fort Collins, Colorado, and surrounding areas.
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India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Meet the 'Frankenstein Bunnies': Colorado rabbits with hornlike growths
Residents of Fort Collins, Colorado, have been spotting an unusual sight this summer: cottontail rabbits with grotesque, hornlike growths sprouting from their faces. While viral photos have dubbed them 'Frankenstein bunnies,' 'demon rabbits,' and 'zombie rabbits,' scientists say there's no cause for rabbits are infected with the Shope papillomavirus, a relatively common virus that causes wart-like protrusions on cottontails. 'The growths resemble warts but can look like horns if they grow longer,' Kara Van Hoose, spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, told The Associated disease, discovered by Dr. Richard E. Shope in the 1930s, likely inspired the centuries-old North American jackalope myth — the legendary rabbit with antlers. The virus also contributed to early scientific understanding of the link between viruses and cancer, paving the way for research on human papillomavirus. The virus likely influenced the centuries-old jackalope myth in North America, which told of a rabbit with antlers or horns, among other animal variations. The disease in rabbits also contributed to scientists' knowledge about the connection between viruses and cancer, such as the human papillomavirus that causes cervical Hoose reassured that the virus is mostly harmless: 'The growths don't harm rabbits unless they grow on their eyes or mouths and interfere with eating. Rabbits' immune systems are able to fight the virus and, once they do, the growths will disappear.'The virus spreads from rabbit to rabbit via fleas and ticks, especially during the summer, but cannot infect humans or pets. The recent sightings 65 miles north of Denver have drawn curious locals who have been sharing photos and speculating about the unusual wildlife.- EndsWith inputs from Associated Press
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Zombie Colorado rabbits with hornlike growths go viral; scientists share the unexpected truth behind the unusual condition
Rabbits in Fort Collins, Colorado, have recently been spotted with hornlike growths on their faces, sparking curiosity and concern among residents. Wildlife experts say the condition is caused by Shope papillomavirus, a relatively common disease in cottontail rabbits that does not pose a risk to humans or pets. Shope Papillomavirus and its effects The Shope papillomavirus, first identified in the 1930s by Dr. Richard E. Shope, causes wart-like growths that can resemble horns when they elongate. The virus spreads between rabbits through fleas and ticks, which are most active during the summer. While the growths are usually harmless, they can interfere with eating if they develop near the eyes or mouth. What are those called in The Last Of Us... CLICKERS?Rabbits spotted invading parts of the US with weird tentacles sprouting from their heads due to virus... Colorado officials are warning: "DO NOT TOUCH" Public sightings and reactions Local residents began posting photos of the unusual-looking rabbits, sometimes referring to them with nicknames like 'Frankenstein bunnies' or 'zombie rabbits.' Fort Collins resident Susan Mansfield said one rabbit she observed returned the following year with a larger growth. Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose confirmed the agency has received calls about the sightings but stressed that such cases are not unusual. Transmission and treatment The virus affects wild and domestic rabbits but cannot be transmitted to humans, pets, or other animal species. Infected wild rabbits often recover naturally as their immune systems clear the virus, causing the growths to disappear. In domestic rabbits, however, the disease can be more severe and should be treated by a veterinarian. In Colorado, USA, many people have recently witnessed rabbits with strange black horns growing on their heads. They are jokingly calling them "zombie rabbits." Officials say the rabbits are infected with a common virus, but they also warn people not to touch the infected rabbits. Historical context and folklore links Scientists believe the virus may have inspired the North American jackalope myth, a centuries-old tale of horned rabbits. The Shope papillomavirus also played a role in early research linking viruses to cancer, contributing to the understanding of human papillomavirus and its connection to diseases like cervical cancer. Cottontail species in Colorado Colorado is home to three cottontail rabbit species: mountain, desert, and eastern cottontails. They can be hard to distinguish except by habitat and geographic location, but all are susceptible to Shope papillomavirus. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
Nightmare rabbits with black tentacles flood US parks as virus creates terrifying face growths — public told to stay away
Wild rabbits in Fort Collins, Colorado, are showing horn-like growths caused by Shope papilloma virus. While the illness is harmless to humans, it can impact rabbits' health and is spread by insects. Authorities caution residents not to touch the animals and to contact wildlife officials if intervention is needed. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Cause Identified by Experts How the Virus Spreads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Official Warnings to the Public Health and Safety Concerns FAQs: 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 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 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 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 rabbits recover naturally, though severe infections mainly in domestic rabbits can lead to malnutrition, secondary infections, or in rare cases, cancer. 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 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 also warn against attempting to 'rescue' the rabbits, as improper care can cause more harm to the animals.A1. Wild rabbits with unusual horn-like growths caused by a virus.A2. In Fort Collins, Colorado, and surrounding areas.
