There is widespread concern after some wild rabbits were spotted with "tentacles" on their faces - but what is actually happening?

As previously reported, residents in Fort Collins, Colorado, have been left both startled and concerned by sightings of wild rabbits with unsettling, horn-like growths protruding from their faces.

Rabbits in Fort Collins have been spotted with bizarre growths. Credit: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

These “Frankenstein” bunnies, which have been described as having “tentacles” or “horns” sticking out from around their mouths, are suffering from a virus that, although disturbing in appearance, is not harmful to humans or pets.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the bizarre growths are caused by the Shope papilloma virus, also known as cottontail rabbit papilloma virus (CRPV), a virus that specifically affects wild rabbits.

The growths, which can look like black, spiky quills or black toothpicks sticking out from around the rabbits’ faces, are wart-like tumors.

Though the virus can cause the tumors to sometimes become malignant, it generally doesn’t pose a direct threat to the animals, unless the growths interfere with critical functions like the eyes or mouth.

CPW clarified that the virus is spread primarily by biting insects like mosquitoes or ticks and can also be passed through direct contact between infected rabbits.

"It looked like black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around its mouth," described Fort Collins resident Susan Mansfield, who has seen the same rabbit in her yard for two consecutive years, with the growths becoming more pronounced each time, per KBTX.

"I thought he'd die off during the winter, but he didn’t. He came back a second year - and it grew."

Although this may sound terrifying, wildlife officials assured the public that the virus is relatively common among wild rabbit populations and is more akin to benign cancerous cells.

CPW has also made it clear that the virus is non-zoonotic, meaning it doesn’t spread to humans, dogs, or other animals, so there’s no need for alarm on that front.

However, they do advise against approaching or handling infected rabbits.

Members of the public should not handle the infected rabbits. Credit: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Despite the somewhat eerie appearance of these rabbits, experts emphasize that the condition is not as dangerous as it might seem at first glance.

The virus was first identified in 1933 and is now known as Shope papilloma virus, named after Richard E. Shope, who discovered it in cottontail rabbits in Midwestern America.

The virus is an oncogenic DNA virus, which means it has the potential to cause tumors, including the development of squamous cell carcinomas, a form of cancer.

Infected rabbits can suffer from a range of symptoms, including difficulty seeing or eating as the tumors grow, but, in many cases, the growths will not prove fatal.

For domestic rabbits, the virus can be treated by removing the tumors surgically, but, as with wild rabbits, experts advise that no one should attempt to touch or help an infected rabbit.

This message is particularly important in light of ongoing concerns about possible mutations of diseases, as seen with COVID-19, though CPW reassured that CRPV is not likely to pose any similar risk.

While the best course of action is to allow nature to run its course, this virus remains a fascinating -and unsettling - part of wildlife in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Featured image credit: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

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.

Members of the public should not handle the infected rabbits. Credit: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

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.

Rabbits in Fort Collins have been spotted with bizarre growths. Credit: Education Images / Getty

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.

Featured image credit: Education Images / Getty

Residents in Fort Collins, Colorado, have been left startled by sightings of wild rabbits with unusual "tentacle and horn-like" growths.

Rabbits with horn-like and tentacle-style growths have sparked concern. Credit: Fiona McAllister Photography / Getty

Wildlife officials have addressed concerns after images shared on social media showed animals with black, spiky growths around their mouths and faces.

They have confirmed that the strange condition is caused by a virus, and while it may look terrifying, it poses no danger to humans or pets.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the growths seen on the rabbits are wart-like tumors caused by the Shope papilloma virus, which specifically affects rabbits.

These tumors, which can sometimes become malignant, typically appear on the animal's head, face, or mouth, and are spread by biting insects like mosquitoes or ticks.

While the virus does not spread to humans, dogs, or other animals, CPW advises the public to avoid approaching or touching infected rabbits.

Local resident Susan Mansfield, who spotted a rabbit with the condition, described the growths as “black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around his or her mouth," per KBTX.

She said she’s seen the same rabbit return to her yard for two years in a row, with the growths becoming more noticeable each time.

“I thought he would die off during the winter, but he didn’t,” she said. “He came back a second year, and it grew.”

Another resident described the appearance as a “scabbiesh-looking growth” covering the rabbit’s face, sparking fears that the animals could be carrying the plague or another dangerous illness.

CPW clarified that the virus is believed to be relatively common among wild rabbit populations and is comparable to benign cancerous cells.

While the growths typically don’t harm the animals directly, they can cause issues if they interfere with critical areas like the eyes or mouth. In some cases, wildlife experts said the growths may even resolve on their own.

In domestic rabbits, treatment options may include surgical removal and regular veterinary monitoring.

Despite the unsettling appearance of the affected animals, wildlife officials stressed the importance of leaving them alone and allowing nature to take its course.

The agency has also strongly advised against trying to feed, help, or handle any infected rabbits, even if they appear friendly or harmless.

So while these "horned" rabbits may look like something out of a sci-fi nightmare, officials say the best response is simple: do not interfere.

Featured image credit: Adria Photography / Getty

Wildlife experts are warning Americans to avoid contact with squirrels that have recently been spotted with alarming sores, warts, and unusual growths covering their bodies. While squirrels are often viewed as harmless and even endearing woodland animals, images circulating online in recent weeks have left many concerned about their health and the potential risks of interaction.

One Reddit user, posting on July 31, shared a photo of a squirrel with what initially appeared to be food stuck to its face, only to realize the mass was part of the animal’s skin. “Any ideas what is going on with this little fella?” the poster asked, prompting a wave of speculation and worry from others who had seen similar cases.

These sightings are not entirely new. Reports of squirrels suffering from mysterious lumps and sores have surfaced over the past few years. In 2023, residents in Maine noticed numerous squirrels with oozing sores and scaly patches. Wildlife officials identified the illness as squirrel fibromatosis, commonly referred to as squirrel pox. According to the Bangor Daily News, the disease is naturally occurring and often spreads quickly when squirrels gather in groups.

Shevenell Webb, a wildlife biologist and furbearer specialist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, explained that the illness generally resolves without human intervention. “I would not recommend trying to capture a squirrel that has the virus. It is naturally occurring and will run its course in time,” Webb said.

The disease is particularly prone to spreading around bird feeders, where squirrels often congregate. Webb likened it to the way colds or viruses spread in crowded human environments: “You have one squirrel eating at the feeder that has the virus and its saliva gets on the feeder or the seeds. Then another squirrel comes along and comes in contact with that saliva, it’s the perfect place to spread squirrel pox.”

Although the sight of infected squirrels can be distressing, experts stress that the disease poses no danger to humans. In most cases, the animals recover on their own. However, in severe instances the growths can spread internally and may become fatal. “For the most part, squirrels with squirrel pox are just really ugly to look at,” Webb reassured.

Experts at Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge in Virginia have also pointed to another possible culprit behind the unusual growths: botfly parasites. These parasites burrow into the animal’s flesh, leaving behind swollen lumps that may resemble tumors. The refuge warned against attempting to remove them, emphasizing: “Only skilled rehabbers or vets should attempt to extract bots.”

Recent bizarre sightings are not limited to squirrels. Other residents across the U.S. have reported rabbits with grotesque growths caused by cottontail papilloma virus, fueling concern and comparisons to “zombie animals” online.

While unsettling, experts say these cases highlight the importance of observing wildlife from a distance. Sick or not, wild animals should not be handled by untrained individuals, and reporting unusual sightings to local wildlife authorities remains the safest course of action.

Featured image credit: David Soanes Photography / Getty Images.

Images of a tumor-ridden deer have gone viral on social media this week after the afflicted animal was spotted by a photographer in Minnesota.

Taking to Facebook this week, Julie Carrow shared pictures of the unfortunate animal after she saw it in the wilderness surrounding Pipestone, and was shocked by its condition. The pictures were captioned: "This to me is just heartbreaking ... Hoping this post will help this little man."

The creature was covered in a number of black, swollen growths on its neck, head, and body. Carrow contacted the  Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to express her concern about the stricken deer.

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Commenting on the sighting in an interview with Bring Me The News, Carrow stated: "I was out shooting a senior session in the northern section of Pipestone and this deer casually wandered past us. He was grazing as he went by and did not appear in any distress nor did he appear malnourished. I couldn't see his eyes though."

It turns out that the growths are benign: an example of a skin condition common to the species known as 'fibroma'; caused by a papillomavirus.

In a statement made to BMTN, a spokesperson for the department claimed: "These are called cutaneous fibromas, caused by papillomavirus.  Not new to MN for sure, as we get photos just about every year showing deer with fibromas.  They are like warts.  In time, they regress and fall off; however, in very extreme cases there can be complications."

On a more positive note, check out this video of the Deer Park in Japan below: 

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They added: "This deer has masses near/in the eyes; likely to be impacting its ability to see and the location of the masses are also near joints that can slow down its movement.  This is one of the worst cases of fibromas I have ever seen in a [Minnesotan] deer. Could be an easy target for a coyote. We will not interfere with nature in this case."

Sadly, this isn't the first time we've written about one of these animals suffering an unfortunate fate. Check out this article we wrote all about the dead deer who was found with more than four kilograms of plastic in its stomach.