In recent weeks, startling reports have emerged from Fort Collins, Colorado, where residents have spotted wild rabbits exhibiting bizarre, black, tentacle-like growths protruding from their heads and faces. Dubbed “zombie rabbits” by social media users due to their eerie appearance, these cottontail rabbits are not mutants but carriers of a viral infection known as Shope papillomavirus (SPV), a rabbit-specific virus that causes wart-like tumors.
This unusual phenomenon has caused both fascination and concern among locals who first noticed rabbits with what looked like black quills or toothpicks sticking all around their mouths. Susan Mansfield, a Fort Collins resident, observed one such rabbit survive through winter and return the following year with even larger growths. Photos of these affected rabbits have circulated widely online, with viral posts drawing comparisons to “Frankenstein bunnies,” “demon rabbits,” and “zombie rabbits,” sparking both alarm and sympathy across the internet.
Shope papillomavirus, first identified in the 1930s, is known to cause tumors—papillomas—that often develop on the heads and faces of infected cottontail rabbits. Despite its alarming appearance, the virus is mostly benign to the rabbits themselves unless the growths block their eyes or mouths, which can interfere with feeding. These tumors may elongate and twist, resembling horns or tentacles, but the virus does not infect humans, pets, or other wildlife species. It is primarily spread between rabbits by biting insects like fleas and ticks during warmer months and through direct contact among rabbits.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have emphasized that while the outbreak has captured public attention, it is not unusual. Such cases tend to rise in the summer and fall when tick and flea populations are most active. They advise the public not to approach or touch infected rabbits. Wild rabbits often manage to fight off the infection naturally, and once their immune system suppresses the virus, the growths typically fade away over time.
Interestingly, the Shope papillomavirus has inspired folklore such as the North American jackalope legend—mythical rabbits said to grow antlers or horns. Scientists have studied this virus extensively as it provided early insights into the relationship between viruses and cancer, similar to what human papillomavirus does in people.
Key Points on Colorado’s “Zombie Rabbits”:
- The virus is exclusive to rabbits; no transmission to humans or other animals is reported.
- Growths resemble black tentacles, horns, or twisted quills, caused by wart-like tumors.
- Spread mainly through biting insects like ticks and fleas, plus rabbit-to-rabbit contact.
- The condition is usually harmless unless growths interfere with crucial functions like eating.
- Infected rabbits often survive, and tumors can regress naturally over time.
- Public urged not to touch these rabbits to avoid spreading the virus among pet or wild populations.
The viral rabbit outbreak in Colorado has become a vivid reminder of the complexities and surprises that wildlife health issues can pose. While the sight of these tentacled rabbits may be unsettling, the expert consensus reassures that this is a localized and manageable wildlife health phenomenon rather than a cause for panic.
As Colorado residents and wildlife enthusiasts continue to observe these unusual rabbits, staying informed and respectful of wildlife boundaries remains essential. If you encounter one of these fascinating creatures, admire from a distance and share your experiences to help others understand this unique wildlife event.
Have you spotted any of these striking “zombie rabbits” in your area? Share your thoughts or sightings to keep the community engaged and informed!