The ‘Alice in Wonderland’ like rabbits from Colorado are facing a ‘Frankenstein’ plot twist. And the sudden change in their physical structure has left the world shocked. According to recent reports, the adorable rabbits from Colorado are going through a mysterious mutation. And as a result of the same, the rabbits are growing tentacles on their head and neck.
The Colorado cottontail rabbits spotted around Fort Collins have suddenly turned out to be a major ground of concern for many. Such a dangerous and massive mutation of growing black horn-like tentacles however does have a medical scientific explanation.
Are the Cottontail Rabbit going through a genetic mutation?
When the images of the rabbits went viral, many thought that it’s a fake image making the rounds on the internet. However, unfortunately the images are depicting the truth. And this sudden growth of tentacles on the face and head of the cottontail rabbits have left them in extreme pain. Doctors have pointed out that these rabbits have been infected by a terrifying new virus.
According to the research executed by PetMD, it has been revealed that the rabbits are suffering from ‘Cottontail Rabbit Papillomavirus’. It is a benign viral disease that causes malignant tumors to grow in rabbits, often on the heads. Although the outbreak are mostly noted in wild rabbits, it can occur in domestic rabbits too.
There are rabbits in Fort Collins, Colorado, that have been observed with horn-like , tentacles growths due to the Shope papilloma virus (SPV).
— PeacefulCanvas (@PeacefulxCanvas) August 12, 2025
Here's a breakdown:
1. Shope Papilloma Virus (SPV): This is a real virus, specifically a papillomavirus, that affects rabbits. It… pic.twitter.com/8M0wdDlGTV
Further research has also stated that the ‘Papillomavirus’ mostly leaves its mark during the season of fall and summer. It is often transmitted by biting arthropod insects. Bits of insects like mosquitoes or ticks might lead to this extremely concerning case.
Several rabbits in the heart of Colorado have succumbed to the negative impact of the virus and have grown long horn-like structure. According to local outlet KDVR, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department shared the public has made them aware of the diseased animals. However, unfortunately the occurrence is turning out to be frequent. A CPW spokesperson says, per KDVR, “There’s no overt concern needed for pet owners. We would just say to keep those wildlife principles in mind when you do have them out. Keep them on leash, keep them away from wild animals”. However, the officials also conveyed a word if relief. They shared, “It is not something necessarily we see transferred from rabbits to dogs.”
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