Latest news with #EasternCottontail
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Rabbits with ‘horns' in Colorado are being called ‘Frankenstein bunnies.' Here's why
This photo provided by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shows a deceased Eastern cottontail rabbit infected with Shope papillomavirus in October 2021. (Iowa Department of Natural Resources via AP) DENVER — A group of rabbits in Colorado with grotesque, horn-like growths may seem straight out of a low-budget horror film, but scientists say there's no reason to be spooked — the furry creatures merely have a relatively common virus. The cottontails recently spotted in Fort Collins are infected with the mostly harmless Shope papillomavirus, which causes wart-like growths that protrude from their faces like metastasizing horns. Viral photos have inspired a fluffle of unflattering nicknames, including 'Frankenstein bunnies,' 'demon rabbits' and 'zombie rabbis.' But their affliction is nothing new, with the virus inspiring ancient folklore and fueling scientific research nearly 100 years ago. 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 cancer. The virus in rabbits was named after Dr. Richard E Shope, a professor at The Rockefeller University who discovered the disease in cottontails in the 1930s. News about the rabbit sightings in Fort Collins, 65 miles (105 kilometres) north of Denver, started getting attention after residents started spotting them around town and posting pictures. Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the agency has been getting calls about the rabbits seen in Fort Collins. But she said that it's not uncommon to see infected rabbits, especially in the summer, when the fleas and ticks that spread the virus are most active. The virus can spread from rabbit to rabbit but not to other species, including humans and pets, she said. The growths resemble warts but can look like horns if they grow longer, Van Hoose said. 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, she said. Finley reported from Norfolk, Virginia. Ben Finley And Colleen Slevin, The Associated Press
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary reaches 1,000th mammal rescue
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary has reached a major milestone this week with the admission of its 1,000th mammal of the year, a one-week-old Eastern Cottontail rabbit. A Facebook post from Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary shows the tiny rescued rabbit after being found by a dog and suffering minor injuries. Now recovering well, he's joined three other young cottontails and is on track to return to the wild. Image courtesy of Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Wisconsin to start new mandatory milk testing to protect public healt In just the past two weeks, the Sanctuary says they've taken in over 700 animals in need, including injured, orphaned, ill, and displaced wildlife. Staff thanked the community for their ongoing support, as well as the volunteers who help care for the animals. 'All animals are given a chance to become wild again,' the Sanctuary shared in the Facebook post. Sanctuary officials say if you find a wild animal that needs help, you can bring it to the Observation Building without an appointment. Bay Beach's Animal Care is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and starting Memorial Day weekend, hours will extend to 6:30 p.m. You can also support their rehabilitation efforts by donating to Friends of the Wildlife Sanctuary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
