Frankenstein bunnies spotted in Colorado

Frankenstein rabbits with tentacle like facial growths spotted in Fort Collins prompt pet owners to take precautions.

Frankenstein bunnies with face tentacles spotted in Colorado spark pet warning

In Fort Collins, Colorado, wildlife photographers captured rabbits with raised facial growths that resemble tentacles. Authorities identified the condition as Cottontail Rabbit Papillomavirus, also called Shope Papillomavirus. The virus spreads mainly through mosquitoes and ticks and can progress to carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, in affected rabbits.

Public health officials note that humans cannot be infected with CRPV. However, domestic rabbits face a much higher cancer risk from CRPV, with studies indicating pet rabbits are 66 percent to 80 percent more likely to develop cancer within eight to 14 months. Veterinarians advise quarantine for new rabbits, regular cage cleaning, shielding from insects, and avoiding scratching lesions to reduce spread. There is no vaccine for CRPV, so prevention relies on careful husbandry and keeping domestic rabbits away from wild rabbits and insect exposure.

The sight of unusual rabbits online shows how wildlife news becomes a social moment. Even when the direct risk to people is low, images can provoke fear and quick judgments. Clear, calm guidance from health and wildlife officials matters more than sensational reactions.

The case also spotlights pet ownership and animal welfare. Domestic rabbits are more vulnerable to CRPV-driven cancer, underscoring the need for veterinary support and responsible quarantine practices. If the public treats the story as spectacle rather than a health alert, the deeper lessons about disease prevention and animal care can be lost.

Highlights

Vigilance and veterinary guidance will keep pets safe as science learns more.