Strange “zombie” rabbits with black horn-like growths are invading Colorado backyards. Discover what’s behind the creepy look, the science of Shope papillomavirus, and if it’s dangerous.
Zombie Rabbits in Colorado: The Truth Behind the Horns and Tentacles
Colorado residents are doing double takes—and not because of the usual wildlife sightings. In Fort Collins and other areas, Zombie Rabbits are being spotted with dark, horn-like protrusions and tentacle-like growths around their mouths, sparking alarm and viral social media chatter.
While the appearance is unsettling, wildlife officials say these so-called Zombie Rabbits aren’t undead creatures from horror films. Instead, they’re living with a rare but naturally occurring virus: Shope papillomavirus (SPV).
The First Sightings: From Cute Cottontails to Creepy Creatures
It all started when local resident Susan Mansfield noticed a rabbit in her backyard that didn’t look quite right. Instead of the soft, fluffy face typical of a cottontail, it had what she described as:
“Black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around his or her mouth.”
Thinking it might be a one-time occurrence, Mansfield assumed the animal would die over the winter. But to her surprise, it returned the next year—and the growth had increased.
Soon, more residents reported similar sightings, and 9NEWS Northern Colorado reporter Amanda Gilbert captured a viral photo showing the eerie condition. Another image posted to Reddit featured a rabbit whose facial growths nearly covered its eyes and nose.
What is Shope papillomavirus?
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the culprit is Shope papillomavirus, a rabbit-specific virus first identified in the 1930s by Dr. Richard Shope.
SPV causes wart-like tumors known as papillomas to grow on the head, mouth, and occasionally other body parts of cottontail rabbits. These tumors can sometimes appear black, hard, and horn-like—giving the unsettling “zombie” or “Frankenstein bunny” look.
Key Facts About SPV:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Species Affected | Only rabbits (mainly cottontails) |
| Cause | Shope papillomavirus, a relative of human papillomavirus (HPV) |
| Transmission | Spread by biting insects (fleas, ticks, mosquitoes) |
| Season | More common in warmer months when insect activity is high |
| Danger to Humans/Pets | None – not transmissible to other animals or people |
| Prognosis for Rabbits | Often recover naturally; tumors may disappear over time |
Why Do the Growths Look Like Horns or Tentacles?
In some rabbits, SPV tumors harden and turn dark, resembling antlers, horns, or tentacles. This bizarre transformation is thought by folklorists to have inspired the mythical “jackalope” — a legendary antlered rabbit from North American tall tales.
The strange appearance has led to viral nicknames like:
- Zombie Rabbits
- Alien bunnies
- Frankenstein rabbits
Are Zombie Rabbits Dangerous?
CPW stresses that while the look is unsettling, SPV poses no threat to humans, pets, or other wildlife. It can only be spread between rabbits, primarily through insect bites.
However, officials caution residents:
- Do not attempt to touch or capture the rabbits.
- Avoid feeding them to prevent close contact and potential stress to the animal.
If tumors grow too large, they can interfere with a rabbit’s ability to eat or see. In severe cases, this may weaken the animal, making it vulnerable to predators or starvation.
Nature’s Way: How Zombie Rabbits Survive SPV
Most Zombie Rabbits with SPV continue to live normal lives. In many cases, the tumors shrink or disappear entirely over time. The virus has no known cure, but the rabbit’s immune system often handles it naturally.
Wildlife experts emphasize that intervention is rarely necessary unless the animal is visibly suffering or unable to feed itself.
Social Media Frenzy and the Jackalope Connection
Images of these “zombie” rabbits have been widely shared across Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram, with users expressing equal parts fascination and horror.
Some noted the resemblance to the mythical jackalope, a horned rabbit from American folklore. The jackalope legend is believed to have originated from sightings of SPV-affected rabbits decades ago, blending biology with tall-tale storytelling.
What Residents Should Do if They See One
If you spot a rabbit with black horns or tentacles in your yard:
- Observe from a distance—for safety and to avoid stressing the rabbit.
- Do not attempt to remove the growths—this can injure the animal.
- Limit insect populations in your yard to reduce virus transmission.
- Report unusual sightings to local wildlife agencies if the animal appears in distress.
Preventing the Spread in Rabbit Populations
Since SPV is spread by insect bites, reducing vector activity can help:
- Use environmentally safe insect repellents in high-rabbit areas.
- Remove standing water where mosquitoes breed.
- Keep grass trimmed to discourage ticks and fle
FAQs About Zombie Rabbits
Q1: Can zombie rabbits infect humans?
No. Shope papillomavirus is species-specific and only affects rabbits.
Q2: What causes the horn-like growths?
They are tumors caused by SPV, which can harden and darken over time.
Q3: Do affected rabbits die from the virus?
Usually, no. Most recover naturally unless growths interfere with eating or seeing.
Q4: Is there a cure for Shope papillomavirus?
There is no treatment, but many rabbits survive and even lose the tumors over time.
Q5: Did this inspire the jackalope myth?
Yes. Folklorists believe sightings of SPV-affected rabbits may have contributed to the legend.