A cluster of rabbits in Colorado exhibiting abnormal, horn-like protrusions might evoke a sense of horror movie imagery, but scientists assure that there is no cause for alarm – these furry animals are simply infected with a relatively common virus. The cottontails recently sighted in Fort Collins have contracted the mostly benign Shope papillomavirus, leading to the development of wart-like growths that resemble horns sprouting from their faces.
Despite the eerie appearance, the viral infection these rabbits are experiencing is not a new phenomenon, with historical roots in ancient folklore and having sparked scientific exploration nearly a century ago. The grotesque yet fascinating images of these rabbits have garnered them unflattering monikers such as “Frankenstein bunnies,” “demon rabbits,” and “zombie rabbits.”
This virus is believed to have influenced the age-old myth of the jackalope in North America, a creature depicted as a rabbit with antlers or horns, among other animal attributes. Furthermore, the study of this disease in rabbits has contributed significantly to the understanding of the correlation between viruses and cancer, similar to the human papillomavirus’s role in causing cervical cancer.
The virus was named after Dr. Richard E. Shope, a Rockefeller University professor who identified the disease in cottontails in the 1930s. Reports of these peculiar rabbits in Fort Collins, located 105 kilometers (65 miles) north of Denver, gained attention as residents began spotting them in various locations and sharing images on social media.
Kara Van Hoose, a representative from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, mentioned receiving inquiries about the infected rabbits in Fort Collins. She clarified that it is not uncommon to encounter rabbits affected by the virus, particularly during the summer when the fleas and ticks responsible for transmitting the virus are most active.
Van Hoose reassured the public that the virus is not transmissible to other species, including humans and pets. While the growths on the rabbits may resemble warts or horns, they do not pose a threat unless they obstruct the animals’ eyes or mouths, hindering their ability to eat. Rabbits’ immune systems are generally capable of combating the virus, leading to the eventual disappearance of the growths once the infection is resolved.
