Virus in Colorado Creating ‘Frankenstein’ Rabbits with Eerie Tentacle-Like Growths on Their Faces

In Colorado, some wild rabbits have been spotted with strange, black, tentacle-like growths coming from their faces. These unusual appearances are caused by a virus known as the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

People in Fort Collins have noticed the rabbits while walking in their neighborhoods and were surprised — and sometimes alarmed — by what they saw.

“It looked like black quills or toothpicks sticking out all around its mouth,” said Susan Mansfield, a Fort Collins resident. “I thought it would die over the winter, but it came back the next year — and the growth was bigger.”

Some have nicknamed them “Frankenstein rabbits” because of the eerie appearance. Others wondered if they might be “jackalopes,” a mythical creature with the body of a rabbit and antelope horns.

CPW explained that the virus causes black nodules to grow on the head, which can sometimes stretch out and look like horns. The virus only affects rabbits and cannot be passed to humans or other animals. However, experts advise staying away from infected rabbits to avoid spreading the virus to other rabbits or pets.

The growths usually don’t harm the rabbit unless they make it hard to eat or drink. Most wild rabbits recover, and the growths eventually disappear.

Pet rabbits can be more severely affected, so owners should take them to a veterinarian if they show signs of infection.

The virus spreads mainly in warmer months, often through insect bites from fleas or ticks. CPW says it usually clears up in colder months.

While the sight can be unsettling, wildlife experts say these rabbits often live normal lives once the infection passes.