In recent weeks, residents of Colorado—particularly around Fort Collins—have been startled by the appearance of wild rabbits sporting strange, black, tentacle-like growths sprouting from their heads and faces. At first glance, these unsettling features may seem like something from a science fiction film or a cryptid legend. However, wildlife experts assure the public that this phenomenon has a clear scientific explanation, even if its appearance is undeniably eerie.
What’s Really Happening?
These so-called “tentacle rabbits” are not alien creatures or genetic experiments gone wrong. They are regular cottontail rabbits infected with a virus known as Shope papillomavirus (also called cottontail rabbit papillomavirus). This naturally occurring virus causes keratin-filled tumors—known as papillomas—to form on a rabbit’s skin, often around the face, mouth, and neck.
While these growths can sometimes be small, in severe cases they become long, dark, and twisted—resembling horns, spikes, or tentacles. This grotesque appearance is what has fueled widespread social media attention, with many dubbing them “Frankenstein bunnies” or “zombie rabbits.”
The Virus and How It Spreads
Shope papillomavirus was first identified in the 1930s by Dr. Richard E. Shope. The discovery was groundbreaking, as it was one of the first examples proving that viruses can cause cancer in mammals.
The virus spreads mainly through biting insects such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Warmer months often see more cases, as these insects are more active. The condition is more common in wild rabbit populations, particularly in areas with dense vegetation where insects thrive.
Do These Rabbits Pose a Danger to Humans or Pets?
The good news: This virus cannot infect humans, dogs, cats, or other non-rabbit species. Papillomaviruses are highly species-specific, meaning the Shope papillomavirus only affects certain rabbit species.
However, infected rabbits can face significant challenges. While some recover naturally once their immune systems suppress the virus, others suffer from impaired eating, vision, or breathing if the growths become too large. In domestic rabbits, veterinary care may be necessary.
Folklore and the Jackalope Connection
Interestingly, scientists believe that sightings of rabbits with these horn-like growths may have inspired the jackalope—a mythical North American creature depicted as a rabbit with antlers. Stories and taxidermy hoaxes featuring jackalopes became popular in the 20th century, particularly in western states like Colorado and Wyoming. Today, the “tentacle rabbit” sightings have rekindled those tall tales, though the real explanation is firmly rooted in biology.
What To Do If You See One
If you spot a rabbit with tentacle-like growths:
- Keep your distance. While they’re not dangerous to humans, stressed wildlife can act unpredictably.
- Do not attempt to touch or capture it. This can cause unnecessary harm to the animal.
- Report unusual wildlife sightings to your local animal control or wildlife agency, as it helps track outbreaks.
- Protect domestic rabbits by preventing contact with wild rabbits and controlling insect exposure.
The Bigger Picture
While their appearance may be shocking, these rabbits are simply victims of a long-known wildlife virus. For scientists, the phenomenon serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between animals, viruses, and the environment. For the public, it’s an unexpected meeting point between nature and myth—where the jackalope legend meets real-world virology.
In short: Colorado’s “tentacle rabbits” are not supernatural monsters, but they are an extraordinary example of how disease can shape wildlife appearances in dramatic ways. They remain harmless to humans, but their strange looks will likely keep sparking curiosity—and maybe a few nightmares—for years to come.
