Zombie Rabbits with Horns! A Horrifying Phenomenon in Colorado: A Viral Truth Behind the Scary Look
Rabbits with Horns in Colorado: A Viral Truth Behind the Scary Look
In Fort Collins, Colorado, locals reported seeing wild rabbits with strange black growths on their heads and bodies. Their eerie look earned nicknames like “Frankenstein bunnies” and “zombie rabbits.” The public reacted with shock and fear, wondering if a new creature had appeared. Photos and videos of these horned rabbits spread quickly online. The growths are in fact tumors, some look like small warts while others grow into large twisted horns that change the rabbit’s appearance.
SPV: The Truth Behind Colorado’s Zombie Rabbits with Horns
Experts confirmed that the cause of this strange case, often called Zombie Rabbits with Horns! A Horrifying Phenomenon in Colorado., is the Shope papillomavirus (SPV), also known as cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV). Discovered in the early 20th century, this virus makes wart-like tumors grow on the skin of rabbits, especially around the head, mouth, and eyes. As they enlarge, the tumors can harden and form horn-like shapes. Though shocking in appearance, they are benign. SPV mainly affects eastern cottontail rabbits, forcing cells to multiply quickly and produce these unusual growths.
Also read: 5 Amazing Facts About Wild Animals That Will Surprise You.
How Does This Horrifying Rabbit Phenomenon Spread?
The virus spreads mainly through biting insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. These parasites, active in warmer months, can pass the infection from one rabbit to another. It can also spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. The virus is hardy and can survive briefly in the environment, which makes outbreaks more common in areas with many rabbits and high insect activity.
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Threat Levels: Are Colorado’s Zombie Rabbits with Horns Dangerous?
The good news is that SPV only affects rabbits and does not harm humans or pets such as cats and dogs. Most infected rabbits recover as their immune system suppresses the virus and shrinks the tumors. Still, the growths can threaten survival if they block the eyes, making it hard to see food or predators, or if they grow near the mouth and prevent eating, sometimes leading to starvation.
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The Scientific Significance of Colorado’s Horned Rabbits
The study of SPV has great scientific and historical value. In the 1930s, Dr. Richard E. Shope showed that the virus could cause tumors, marking one of the first clear links between viruses and cancer. This work later supported research into human papillomavirus (HPV), now known to cause cervical cancer. SPV also inspired folklore—historians believe that sightings of horned rabbits in the American West gave rise to the legend of the jackalope, the mythical rabbit with antlers.
What to Do About Sightings of Zombie Rabbits with Horns
Wildlife officials, including Colorado Parks & Wildlife, advise the public to simply observe these animals from a distance and, most importantly, do not touch them. While the virus is not a threat to humans, a sick or frightened wild animal can still bite or scratch. If you encounter a rabbit with these symptoms, it’s best to leave it alone and not interfere. The rabbit’s own immune system is its best defense. It’s also recommended to avoid handling any deceased rabbits you find, as the virus can potentially survive on the carcass. By understanding the true cause behind the “zombie rabbit” phenomenon, we can appreciate the unique and fascinating aspects of wildlife without unnecessary fear.
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