Frankenstein rabbits spotted in Colorado

Unusual rabbit deformities linked to Shope papillomavirus raise questions about wildlife illness and public reaction.

Frankenstein Rabbits with Tentacles Spotted Across the Midwest

Rabbits in Colorado have been spotted with startling growths that look like black tentacles emerging from their heads and mouths. The sightings center on Fort Collins and date back to 2024, when residents shared images of the animals. Scientists identify the cause as Shope papillomavirus SPV, a disease that causes tumors around the head and face and can be spread by mosquitoes or ticks. Wildlife officials say the current risk to people or domestic animals remains low, but they urge the public to keep distance and not handle wild rabbits.

The virus can produce horn like tumors that may persist for years. In some cases warts turn malignant and require veterinary care if pets are infected. Experts note that direct contact between rabbits does not commonly spread SPV, though infected insects can carry the virus between animals. Officials say the virus has been seen mainly in Colorado so far and could appear in other parts of the Midwest as rabbit populations move or as mosquitoes spread the virus.

The story blends curiosity with caution. It shows how one wildlife anomaly can ignite online chatter while real risk remains limited. The responsible message is clear: avoid touching wild rabbits with unusual growths and let experts study the disease. The episode also highlights how quickly unusual wildlife events become national conversations and how public bodies communicate in plain terms to prevent panic. As climate patterns shift and animal migrations change, occasional spikes like this may recur, demanding steady messaging more than sensational headlines.

Highlights

Experts will speak again as new data arrive