Residents of Fort Collins, Colorado, have spoken out after spotting so-called "Frankenstein" rabbits appearing to sport "tentacles".
A strange and unsettling phenomenon has taken place in Fort Collins, Colorado, where residents have been startled by sightings of wild rabbits with unusual growths resembling “tentacles” on their faces.
While the growths may seem alarming, they are not as dangerous as they appear. These "Frankenstein" rabbits are actually suffering from a virus that, though disturbing in appearance, does not pose any harm to humans or pets.
Per The New York Post, one Colorado resident described the infected rabbits' symptoms as "a scabbyish looking kind of growth over the face."
Another remarked: "Looks like it was black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around his mouth."
The growths, which have been described as “tentacles” or “horns” protruding from the rabbits’ faces, are caused by a virus known as Shope papilloma virus (CRPV), also referred to as cottontail rabbit papilloma virus.
This virus specifically affects wild rabbits and results in wart-like tumors that can appear like black, spiky quills or toothpicks growing around their mouths.
Understanding the Virus and Its Effects
Although the virus can sometimes lead to tumors becoming malignant, it generally does not pose a significant threat to the rabbits. The primary concern arises when the tumors interfere with the animals' critical functions, such as eating or seeing.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) clarified that the virus is spread by biting insects, such as mosquitoes or ticks, and can also be transmitted through direct contact between infected rabbits.
Fort Collins resident Susan Mansfield described her experience with one of the affected rabbits, which has returned to her yard for two consecutive years with increasingly pronounced growths.
"It looked like black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around its mouth," she said. "I thought he'd die off during the winter, but he didn’t. He came back a second year - and it grew (some more)."
Despite the unsettling appearance of these rabbits, wildlife experts have reassured the public that the virus is not a major cause for concern. "The virus is relatively common among wild rabbit populations," said a CPW spokesperson. "It’s more akin to benign cancerous cells."
Is It Safe for Humans?
One of the most important facts to note is that CRPV is non-zoonotic, meaning it does not spread to humans, dogs, or other animals. There is no need for alarm regarding any potential danger to humans, but wildlife officials do advise against approaching or handling the infected rabbits.
While the virus does not pose an immediate threat to humans, there is some concern about possible mutations of diseases, similar to what has been seen with COVID-19. However, CPW reassured the public that CRPV is not likely to pose any similar risk.
A Brief History of the Virus
The virus was first identified in 1933 by Richard E. Shope, who discovered it in cottontail rabbits in Midwestern America. It is an oncogenic DNA virus, meaning it has the potential to cause tumors, including squamous cell carcinomas, a type of cancer. Infected rabbits may suffer from a variety of symptoms, including difficulty seeing or eating, as the tumors grow, but in many cases, the growths will not prove fatal.
What Can Be Done?
For domestic rabbits, CRPV can be treated by removing the tumors surgically. However, wildlife experts emphasize that people should not attempt to touch or intervene with infected rabbits. This is especially important as any human interaction may cause further stress to the animals.
CPW urges residents to let nature take its course in dealing with these affected rabbits. Despite their unsettling appearance, the virus remains a fascinating part of the wildlife in Fort Collins, Colorado.
As these "Frankenstein" bunnies continue to captivate and alarm local residents, experts remind the public that these animals are not as dangerous as they may seem. The Shope papilloma virus may look alarming, but it’s a relatively common virus that does not pose a serious risk to other species.