Zombie Rabbits?! Horned Bunnies Plague Colorado! What's Going On?

Residents of Colorado have recently reported sightings of rabbits with strange, horn-like growths protruding from their faces, leading to a flurry of online nicknames such as "Frankenstein bunnies," "demon rabbits," and even "zombie rabbits." But fear not, these furry creatures aren't harbingers of the apocalypse; they're simply infected with the Shope papillomavirus.

What is Shope Papillomavirus?

The Shope papillomavirus is a relatively common virus that affects rabbits and hares. It causes wart-like growths, often described as horns or tentacles, to appear on their faces. While the growths may look alarming, the virus is generally harmless to the rabbits themselves, and poses no threat to humans or other pets.

Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), explained that infected rabbits are usually able to clear the virus from their system on their own. Once the virus is gone, the growths, which are made of keratin (the same material as hair and nails), eventually fall off.

Is There Cause for Concern?

While the virus is usually harmless, there are some potential complications. In rare cases, the infection can lead to squamous cell cancer. Additionally, if the growths develop near the eyes or mouth, they can interfere with the rabbit's ability to eat and forage.

CPW has received increased calls about the infected rabbits, particularly in Fort Collins, Colorado. Van Hoose noted that sightings are more common during the summer months when fleas and ticks, which spread the virus, are more active.

A History of Mystery and Science

The Shope papillomavirus isn't a new phenomenon. It's even believed to have influenced the centuries-old jackalope myth, a North American tale of a rabbit with antlers or horns. Furthermore, research into the virus in rabbits contributed to scientists' understanding of the link between viruses and cancer, including the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer. The virus was named after Dr. Richard E Shope, who discovered it in the 1930s.

So, while the sight of these "zombie rabbits" might be unsettling, rest assured that they're not a cause for alarm. They're simply a reminder of the fascinating, and sometimes bizarre, world of viruses and their impact on wildlife.