Rabbits in Fort Collins Develop Tentacle Like Growth

Officials say the unusual growths are not a threat to people or other animals.

Fort Collins Rabbits Develop Tentacle Like Growth on Faces

Residents in Fort Collins, Colorado reported rabbits with unusual growths around their heads and mouths. Susan Mansfield described the scene to reporters as "black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around" the rabbits’ mouths.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife identified the condition as rabbit Shope papillomavirus, a DNA virus seen most often in Midwest cottontail rabbits and sometimes domestic rabbits. Officials say the virus is not contagious to other animals and there is no cure, advising residents to leave the rabbits alone, as with any wildlife. The virus resembles warts or benign cancerous cells but does not pose a danger to humans.

The sight is striking but should not trigger panic. Relying on CPW for clear guidance helps prevent misinformation and unnecessary interference with wildlife. This case highlights how a viral condition in wildlife can surface in suburban areas and still pose little risk to people or pets.

It also underscores a broader challenge: communicating risk in real time. In the age of social media, visuals of odd animals can fuel rapid online chatter. Officials must balance clarity with restraint to avoid sensational headlines that feed fear rather than understanding.

Highlights

Officials will continue monitoring and provide updates as needed.