A bizarre virus is turning ordinary rabbits into horned creatures with tentacle-like growths sprouting from their faces, and sightings are on the rise. The mutated rabbits have been spotted in Fort Collins, Colo., with reports dating back to 2024. The rabbits are infected with the cottontail papilloma virus (CRPV), which causes tumors to grow on or near the animal’s head. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has urged anyone who sees infected rabbits to stay away and not touch them. CPW doesn’t believe the virus can leap to other species, such as humans or pets, but is still urging the public to avoid them. Although the infected rabbits have been seen in Colorado, researchers noted that rabbits throughout the Midwest could become infected with the rare virus. The first sign that a rabbit has the virus is red, raised spots on their skin that eventually turn into wart-like tumors. For pet owners who fear their rabbits could contract the virus, medical experts say the best way to prevent CRPV is to keep pet rabbits away from pests, especially mosquitos. If a pet rabbit does become infected, a veterinarian can surgically remove the tumors before they become malignant. Animal control officials have not made any kind of recommendation supporting killing infected rabbits, adding that the virus doesn’t pose a public health risk to people. If you see an infected rabbit, leave it undisturbed.
