Colorado – Residents in parts of Colorado are reporting sightings of rabbits with strange, horn-like or tentacle-shaped growths sprouting from their heads and faces. Photos and videos of these bizarre-looking animals are spreading rapidly online, sparking fear, curiosity, and wild theories about mutant creatures roaming the state.
Wildlife officials have stepped in to calm the frenzy, explaining that the rabbits are not the result of a laboratory experiment gone wrong or an alien invasion. The eerie growths are caused by Shope papillomavirus—a virus that only affects rabbits. When infected, the animals develop large, dark, wart-like tumors that can grow into twisted shapes resembling antlers or fleshy tentacles.
The virus is mainly spread through insect bites from fleas and ticks, which means the warmer months see more cases. While the growths look terrifying, experts say the disease poses no risk to humans or other animals. However, it can be life-threatening for the rabbits if the tumors block their vision or mouth, making it difficult to eat or escape predators.
Locals have started linking these sightings to the legendary “jackalope,” a mythical horned rabbit from American folklore. But this time, the strange appearance has a very real and biological explanation.
Officials are urging people not to approach or try to help infected rabbits, as stress can worsen their condition and increase the chance of spreading the virus to other rabbits. Pet owners are also being warned to keep domestic rabbits indoors during peak insect season to prevent infection.
While some of the infected wild rabbits recover and shed the growths over time, many continue to battle the virus in the wild with no treatment available. The unsettling images, however, are unlikely to fade from the minds of those who have seen these “zombie rabbits” up close.
