Wild Rabbit Sightings in the U.S.

Some wild rabbits have recently been observed in the U.S., causing a stir among wildlife experts and locals alike.

According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), these rabbits are exhibiting unusual growths linked to rabbit papilloma, which is a skin condition. People in Colorado have reported seeing these oddities. “It looks like black quills or a toothpick protruding from the mouth,” shared Susan Mansfield, a resident of Fort Collins. “I honestly thought it wouldn’t survive through winter, but surprisingly, it came back the next year, and that thing just grew.” It’s quite something to witness.

CPW explained that the infections often manifest as black nodules in the skin, particularly on the head, which can sometimes take on a horn-like shape. The good news, they say, is that these growths usually don’t endanger the rabbits unless they impede their ability to eat or drink.

“Most infected rabbits can deal with these viral infections, and after a while, they typically stop growing,” noted CPW. They recommend against euthanizing these rabbits, unless, of course, it affects their basic needs.

Interestingly, while the virus primarily affects rabbits, it cannot be passed to other species. However, CPW warned that domestic rabbits might catch it if they’re outdoors and come into contact with wild rabbits or insects that can transmit the virus.

Advice from CPW is clear: it’s best to avoid handling these infected rabbits if you see them. No known treatments exist for this virus, so caution is certainly advisable.