- The “horned” rabbits in Fort Collins have the Shope papillomavirus.
- Growths resemble warts but can elongate into horn-like shapes.
- The virus spreads via fleas ticks and mosquitoes but not to humans.
- Wild rabbits often recover while domestic ones may develop fatal cancers.
- The condition inspired the jackalope myth in North America.
- Officials advise against touching or approaching infected rabbits.
A wave of shock and fascination has swept through Fort Collins, Colorado, as residents report sightings of rabbits with grotesque, horn-like growths. Dubbed “Frankenstein bunnies” and “zombie rabbits,” these creatures have sparked viral reactions online.
But behind the eerie appearance lies a scientific explanation, one tied to folklore, medical history, and a virus that’s far from supernatural. Here’s what we know.
What’s Causing the “Horns” on These Rabbits?
The unsettling growths are caused by the Shope papillomavirus, a disease first identified in the 1930s. Spread by fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, it triggers wart-like tumors that can elongate into horn-like protrusions. While alarming, experts confirm the virus is mostly harmless to wild rabbits unless growths obstruct their eyes or mouths.
Kara Van Hoose, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson, explains:
“It exhibits as these wart-like growths on their face—sometimes they’re smaller, like little nodules, and sometimes they’re bigger, like tentacles or horns.”
Resident Susan Mansfield described one infected rabbit:
“It looks like black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around his or her mouth. I thought he would die off during the winter, but he didn’t. He came back a second year, and it grew.”
From Folklore to Fact: The Jackalope Connection
The virus isn’t new—it’s believed to have inspired the mythical jackalope, a rabbit-antelope hybrid from North American folklore. Dr. Richard Shope’s 1930s research on the virus even contributed to understanding HPV’s link to cancer.
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Social media users have amplified the bizarre sightings with creative nicknames:
“This is how the zombie virus starts.” – Instagram user
“We’ve got freaking zombie rabbits now?!” – YouTube comment
Despite the horror-movie comparisons, Van Hoose reassures:
“Nature is metal, and this can be kind of cool looking on different rabbits.”
Should Humans Be Worried?
The virus does not spread to humans, pets, or other wildlife. However, officials warn against touching infected rabbits, as interference can stress the animals.
Domestic rabbits face greater risks, as the virus can escalate into aggressive cancers. Veterinarian Thomas M. Donnelly notes:
“The majority [of domestic rabbits] develop invasive epidermoid carcinomas, which are typically fatal.”
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Last Updated on August 14, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
