Strange Rabbit Sightings in Fort Collins, Colorado

A bizarre phenomenon has residents of Fort Collins, Colorado, concerned as wild rabbits have been seen with alarming facial growths. Locals are sharing photographs of these rabbits, which exhibit unsettling dark, stubby protrusions from their skin.

This is not some fictional scenario straight out of a Stranger Things episode. The culprit here is the cottontail papilloma virus (CRPV), which has been linked to the ‘jackalope’ myth, characterized by rabbits sporting antlers. This virus leads to the development of benign, yet grotesque tumors on the rabbits’ heads.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has weighed in on the situation following the recent sightings. They advise that anyone who encounters these afflicted rabbits should keep their distance. While CRPV is not considered contagious across different species, it’s still best to avoid direct contact.

The disturbing variations of these rabbits may spread throughout the Midwest, primarily transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks rather than direct rabbit-to-rabbit contact. That’s something to ponder, isn’t it?

The progression of CRPV infection starts with red, raised spots on the skin, eventually developing into warty masses. The more severe phase includes the emergence of black tendrils that can obscure the mouth, cheeks, and eyes. In some cases, these initial warts have the potential to turn into deadly skin cancers.

One local, Susan Mansfield, shared her unsettling experience after spotting a rabbit in distress. She remarked, “It looked like black quills or toothpicks sticking out all around its mouth.” Interestingly, she had initially thought the rabbit would succumb during the winter, only to find it returning the following year, with its condition worsening.

Veterinarians are cautioning owners of domestic rabbits to keep their pets away from potential insect carriers. If a pet rabbit does become infected through a mosquito bite, surgery can sometimes help manage the tumors before they become life-threatening.

In the wild, these rabbits could face a dire fate, as larger horns can impede their ability to see, eat, or hear, which could lead to starvation.

In related news, there’s a peculiar fact about the parasitic fungus, ophiocordyceps unilateralis, that’s made headlines too. Often termed the zombie-ant fungus, it can command hefty prices—up to $110,000. It takes over insects, leading to their unfortunate demise before controlling their bodies.

This fungus has various forms based on the infected animal, and one variety found in caterpillars is known as Cordyceps militaris, touted for its medicinal properties. However, be cautious—there’s no evidence suggesting that humans can safely consume ophiocordyceps unilateralis, so best to leave that where it belongs!