Bizarre Hornlike Growths on Colorado Rabbits Explained

Denver (US), Aug 14 (AP) In an intriguing occurrence straight from a science fiction movie, a group of rabbits in Colorado has developed peculiar, hornlike growths. However, according to experts, there's no cause for alarm — these animals are simply infected by the generally harmless Shope papillomavirus.

The cottontail rabbits observed recently in Fort Collins have contracted this virus, leading to wart-like growths that bizarrely extend from their faces, resembling outlandish horns.

Images of these creatures have gone viral, prompting many to dub them "Frankenstein bunnies," "demon rabbits," and "zombie rabbits." Yet, this condition is far from novel; the virus has long been steeped in ancient folklore and has spurred scientific study dating back nearly a century.

The virus is ostensibly linked to the ancient North American myth of the jackalope, a fantastical rabbit with antlers or horns. Furthermore, this disease in rabbits has also enhanced scientific understanding of the link between viruses and cancer, akin to the human papillomavirus responsible for cervical cancer.

The virus was named after Dr. Richard E. Shope, a renowned professor at The Rockefeller University, who first identified the disease in cottontails during the 1930s.

Recent rabbit sightings in Fort Collins, approximately 105 kilometers north of Denver, have gained significant attention after locals began reporting sightings and sharing images online.

Kara Van Hoose, representing Colorado Parks and Wildlife, informed The Associated Press on Wednesday that the agency has been receiving numerous inquiries about these rabbits in Fort Collins.

She explained that it is not uncommon to spot infected rabbits, especially during summer when the fleas and ticks responsible for spreading the virus are most prevalent. The virus can be transmitted from one rabbit to another but poses no threat to other species, including humans and pets, according to Van Hoose.

These growths resemble warts, but in some cases, they might appear horn-like if they grow sufficiently long, Van Hoose noted. Generally, the growths do not harm the rabbits unless they impede vision or feeding. Fortunately, rabbits often recover naturally as their immune systems combat the virus, causing the growths to eventually fade away. (AP)

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