Frankenstein Rabbits INVADE Colorado — Officials PANIC

Two rabbits sitting on grass near wooden logs

Bizarre “Frankenstein” rabbits with horrifying black tentacles sprouting from their heads are spreading across Colorado, triggering urgent warnings from wildlife officials as a viral outbreak reaches alarming proportions.

Story Snapshot

Cottontail rabbits infected with Shope papillomavirus are developing dramatic black, horn-like growths across Colorado neighborhoods
Wildlife experts confirm the virus poses no threat to humans but warn against handling infected animals
The outbreak represents a well-documented disease from the 1930s now gaining widespread public attention
Domestic rabbit owners face heightened risks as their pets are more susceptible to severe infections than wild rabbits

Viral Outbreak Spreads Across Colorado Communities

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials confirmed multiple sightings of cottontail rabbits displaying disturbing black growths resembling tentacles or horns protruding from their heads and mouths. The cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, also known as Shope papillomavirus, causes these dramatic wart-like tumors that can elongate into shocking formations. Fort Collins residents first reported the unsettling phenomenon in early August 2025, with cases now documented across various Colorado neighborhoods.

Long-Known Virus Behind Alarming Appearances

Dr. Richard Shope first documented this DNA virus affecting North American rabbit populations in the 1930s, making current outbreaks part of a recurring pattern rather than a new threat. The virus transmits between rabbits through biting insects, particularly during warmer months when arthropod activity peaks. Periodic outbreaks have occurred throughout the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions, but the current surge stands out for extensive public sightings and media coverage drawing national attention.

Human Safety Confirmed While Pet Owners Face Risks

Wildlife experts unanimously confirm the virus cannot transmit to humans or other animals, limiting infections strictly to rabbit species. However, domestic rabbits face significantly higher risks than their wild counterparts, with outdoor enclosures providing particular vulnerability to infected arthropod vectors. University of Missouri research indicates domestic rabbits experience more severe disease progression, requiring pet owners to maintain vigilance and seek veterinary consultation for suspicious symptoms or potential exposure incidents.

Natural Recovery Process Offers Hope

Colorado Parks and Wildlife emphasizes most infected cottontail rabbits survive the viral infection naturally, with growths eventually disappearing without intervention. The agency recommends against euthanizing affected rabbits unless growths interfere with essential functions like eating or drinking. No cure exists for the condition, but the generally benign nature in wild populations allows natural immune responses to overcome infections over time, restoring normal appearances.

This outbreak serves as a reminder that nature produces phenomena appearing more threatening than their actual impact. While visually disturbing, the virus represents manageable wildlife health concerns rather than genuine public safety threats, allowing communities to observe from a respectful distance while protecting domestic rabbit populations through proper precautions.