Rabbits with hornlike growths in Colorado

Rabbits in Fort Collins display hornlike growths caused by Shope papillomavirus, a mostly harmless infection that does not spread to humans.

Colorado Rabbits Grow Hornlike Growths From Common Virus

A small group of cottontail rabbits in Fort Collins, Colorado, has attracted attention for hornlike growths on their faces. Scientists say these growths come from Shope papillomavirus, a virus that produces wartlike protrusions and is typically not dangerous to humans or pets. The virus spreads between rabbits but not to other species, and the horns can form when the warts grow longer. The growths do not harm rabbits unless they cover the eyes or mouth, and rabbits usually clear the infection, after which the growths disappear.

News about the Fort Collins sightings has drawn attention online and in local media. The virus behind the horns has a long history, dating to the 1930s when Dr Richard E Shope identified it in cottontails at The Rockefeller University. The disease has influenced folklore, contributing to stories like the jackalope, and it also helped scientists understand links between viruses and cancer.

This story shows how wildlife disease can capture public imagination. The nickname frankenstein bunnies reflects a mix of horror tropes and curiosity, while science provides reassurance about safety. It also highlights how historical research, dating back to Shope in the 1930s, still informs today’s understanding of viruses and cancer. The piece raises a chance to educate the public without amplifying fear.

At the same time, there is a risk of sensationalism when oddities go viral. Focusing on hornlike appearances can distract from the broader lessons about wildlife health, transmission dynamics, and the value of scientific literacy in interpreting strange wildlife features. A calm, fact-based approach helps readers see the science behind the spectacle.

Highlights

Curiosity about wildlife can be a doorway to understanding biology, not a gateway to panic.