‘Zombie' rabbits with tentacles have been spotted in the wild – is your pet safe?
The traumatising snaps have led to widespread panic, with many likening the infected wild rabbits to scenes from HBO zombie apocalypse hit The Last of Us.
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Residents of Denver, Colorado caused an online frenzy when they began posting pictures of the bunnies, with one Instagram user stating "This is how the zombie virus starts."
Another resident posted a clip of the rabbits to YouTube, with the caption: "We've got freaking zombie rabbits now?!"
Some first thought that the images were AI, but unfortunately, the horrible disease is real.
Zombie rabbits
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the wild animals are suffering from Shope Papilloma Virus, which causes horn-like black growths to protrude from their faces.
However, Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for the agency said that they are not an unusual site.
The grotesque-looking virus is mostly found in the Midwest of America and is transmitted through ticks and mosquitoes, meaning it is more prevalent during the hot summer months.
It can also be passed on from rabbit to rabbit.
Thankfully, the disease is relatively harmless, unless the black tentacle-like growths grow on sensitive areas such as the eyes and mouth, or prevent the rabbit from eating.
Once the rabbit's immune system has fought off the virus, the growths will disappear.
The virus cannot be passed on to other species, such as dogs or humans.
However, people have been warned not to touch the infected rabbits.
Is my pet rabbit safe?
Although the disease is relatively harmless to wild bunnies, it can be dangerous for pet rabbits.
Officials have warned anyone with an infected pet rabbit to take it to the vet for treatment.
Thankfully, Shope Papilloma Virus does not occur in the UK and Europe, so your bunny should be safe from the disease.
What Is Shope Papilloma Virus?
A viral disease causing wart-like tumors on rabbits, mainly on their heads, ears, and eyelids.
Spread by biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks.
Tumors can be benign or turn malignant (cancerous).
Commonly affects wild and pet rabbits, especially during summer and fall.
Treatment usually involves surgical removal of growths.
Prevention focuses on protecting rabbits from insect bites
The horror-movie-esque disease is thought to have inspired the mythical jackalope, which is a rabbit with horns protruding from its head.
And although unpleasant to look at, the tentacles have contributed to life-saving science, including our understanding of how viruses can be linked to cancer.
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