Rabbits with Tentacle-Like Growths Spark Viral Reactions and Scientific Insight

In a scene that seems ripped from the pages of a science fiction novel, rabbits in Colorado have been spotted with bizarre tentacle-like growths protruding from their heads. These eerie images, which quickly went viral on social media, have sparked a mix of fascination, fear, and humor among netizens, while also drawing attention to a rare viral infection affecting wildlife.

The Unusual Culprit: Shope Papillomavirus

The striking growths, resembling black quills or even small antlers, are caused by the Shope papillomavirus (SPV), also known as the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus. According to Gizmodo, the virus primarily affects wild cottontail rabbits in the Midwest and is a distant cousin of the human papillomavirus (HPV). SPV spreads through vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, which transmit the virus by biting the rabbits, rather than through direct contact between infected animals.

Once infected, rabbits develop small red bumps that gradually mutate into warty masses. These growths, which can sometimes turn cancerous, are most commonly found around the mouth, cheeks, and eyes. While the growths are typically benign, they can severely impair the rabbits’ ability to see, eat, or even hear, often leading to starvation in the wild. Fort Collins resident Susan Mansfield described the unsettling sight to 9NEWS, saying, “It looks like black quills or toothpicks sticking out all around his or her mouth. I thought he would die off during the winter, but he didn’t. He came back a second year, and it grew.”

Social Media Reactions: From Zombies to Aliens

Photos and videos of these so-called “zombie rabbits” have taken social media by storm. Users on platforms like Twitter and Instagram have shared their shock and disgust, with some likening the rabbits to creatures from horror or sci-fi films. Comments ranged from humor—”Is that a Venom symbiote?”—to outright fear—”This may be the most terrifying thing I’ve ever seen.” Others drew comparisons to characters like Omen from the video game Elden Ring or the parasitic fungi in the hit series The Last of Us.

While the viral buzz has been entertaining for many, it also highlights a broader curiosity and concern about the natural world. As noted by India Times, some social media users expressed genuine worry for the rabbits’ well-being, asking experts whether the animals were in danger and what could be done to help.

Human and Pet Safety: No Cause for Alarm

Despite their alarming appearance, experts assure the public that SPV poses no threat to humans, dogs, or cats. According to The Week, the virus is not transmissible across species. However, domestic rabbit owners are advised to keep their pets protected from insect bites, as they are more vulnerable to infection than their wild counterparts. If a pet rabbit does contract the virus, veterinarians can surgically remove the growths before they become malignant.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has issued a clear recommendation: Avoid all contact with infected rabbits. Observing from a distance is the best course of action, as interfering with wild animals can stress them and potentially exacerbate their condition. The growths themselves do not carry the virus, but direct contact with infected bodily fluids could theoretically spread the disease among rabbits.

A Scientific Legacy: From Jackalope Myths to Cancer Research

The Shope papillomavirus has a fascinating history that extends beyond its impact on wildlife. According to Gizmodo, the discovery of SPV in the 1930s provided the first conclusive evidence that certain viruses could trigger cancer. This groundbreaking research laid the foundation for understanding HPV-related cancers in humans and contributed to the development of vaccines.

Interestingly, SPV may also be the origin of the jackalope myth—a popular legend about horned rabbits in North American folklore. Sightings of SPV-infected rabbits with horn-like growths likely inspired these tales, blending science and storytelling in a unique way.

As scientists continue to study SPV, its role as a model for understanding viral oncology remains invaluable. Meanwhile, the viral images of these “tentacle rabbits” serve as a stark reminder of the intricate and sometimes unsettling relationships between viruses and their hosts in the natural world.

While the sight of tentacle-like growths on rabbits may be unsettling, it also underscores the resilience of wildlife and the importance of scientific research in addressing complex ecological phenomena.