Unusual Transformation in Colorado Rabbits

In the wilds of northern Colorado, a rather unexpected change is taking place among local rabbits. Under the luminescence of a full moon, peculiar, sharp growths—almost like horns—are appearing along the bunnies’ ears. Accompanying this strange transformation, dark tendrils seem to wrap around their eyes, making them look eerily otherworldly.

What’s shocking is that these frightening features don’t belong to some mythical creature, but rather to a typical cottontail rabbit. This common species, found in abundance in Wyoming, is currently facing an outbreak of Shope papilloma virus. This illness leads to the formation of horn-like keratin structures on a rabbit’s face and neck.

Photos of these oddly transformed rabbits have gone viral on social media, with many people drawing comparisons to characters like Frankenstein’s monster or even zombies.

Fortunately, while no infected rabbits have been reported in Wyoming yet, some have been spotted near Fort Collins, Colorado, raising concerns that they might soon enter Wyoming’s borders.

Expert Insight

Laurie Hess, a veterinarian specializing in exotic pets from Bedford Hills, New York, mentioned that this virus is typically non-lethal to rabbits. The growths resemble warts seen in humans in how they manifest. “It’s been around for a long time; it’s a virus. People are just now noticing its effects on wild rabbits,” she explained. The rabbit transformations may look weird, but usually, these growths are harmless. They can even disappear with time.

Hess elaborated that as the rabbit’s body fights off the virus, it sometimes produces this pile of protein, resulting in horn-like growths. Occasionally, these can lead to cancer, but that’s rare. She also pointed out that the virus is not contagious to humans or other pets, only to rabbits.

While some comparisons to the Cordyceps fungus, depicted in the series “The Last of Us,” have been made, Hess emphasized that these are separate issues. The fungus thrives in environments, whereas Shope papilloma is a virus that spreads through insects, especially during the summer when mosquito levels are high. She has advised rabbit owners to ensure regular vet check-ups to monitor for these concerning conditions.

Even though Wyoming hasn’t recorded any cases yet, the state’s Game and Fish Department is keeping an eye on the situation in northern Colorado. They don’t plan to intervene if the rabbits cross the border, as the virus poses no threat to local wildlife.

“While the appearance of infected rabbits can be alarming, it’s not fatal unless it impacts their ability to eat and drink,” stated Amanda Fry, a Public Information Officer. She advised people to avoid handling these rabbits and to keep their distance. Ultimately, she noted that the virus isn’t a serious concern for rabbit populations or the ecosystem.

The Jackalope Legend

Interestingly, the idea of horned rabbits isn’t just about the current viral outbreak. Some residents in Wyoming see a connection to a larger myth surrounding the legendary jackalope. Douglas, Wyoming, claims that the Herrick family invented this fantastical creature—half jackrabbit, half antelope. Luke Herrick, a third-generation taxidermist, explained that the legend originated from a chance encounter when his grandfather placed a rabbit carcass next to some antlers.

“They tried mounting it, and my great-grandmother named it ‘jackalope,’” Herrick explained. The taxidermy shop now produces many jackalope mounts, which have become quite popular—far outselling standard mounts of smaller animals.

While Herrick wasn’t aware of the Shope virus’s connection to the lore of jackalopes, he admits that they feel real to him. It’s part of his upbringing. “It might sound silly, but they’re real to us,” he confessed.

Connection to Papilloma Virus

Historically, the discovery of the papilloma virus in rabbits in the 1930s coincided with the rise of the jackalope legend, according to Jenna Rose, a scholar at the Douglas Railroad Museum. “I’ve often wondered if part of the fascination with jackalopes stems from this virus that causes those horn formations,” she pondered.

This enduring lore gives the jackalope many quirky characteristics. Unlike the Easter Bunny, the jackalope is said to sing cowboy songs, drink whiskey, and only mate during thunderstorms. Rose believes that this playful mythology has kept the creature alive in popular culture.

“I think people are drawn to mythology. It’s like Greek myths or the Loch Ness Monster,” she said. This allure has made the jackalope a significant part of Douglas’s identity. The city even includes it in its emblem, and the museum sells amusing merchandise that features jackalopes.

One such item is a hunting license issued by the city, allowing individuals to “hunt” jackalopes on June 31. The tongue-in-cheek nature of the license adds layers of humor that some eager hunters might overlook.

“I once saw a guy out hunting with a shotgun, looking for a jackalope. A game warden approached him and explained the truth—he wasn’t too pleased,” Herrick shared.

While it’s conceivable that someone might mistake a rabbit with the viral growths for a jackalope, the city of Douglas has already declared the hunting season over, so pursuing it would be out of the question.

Cottontail rabbit season will, however, begin on September 1 in Wyoming.