In recent weeks, pictures of rabbits with scary horn-like or tentacle-shaped growths on their faces have gone viral. People are calling them Frankenstein rabbits or zombie bunnies. But are these strange animals real or fake? Let’s find out the truth.
Where the “Frankenstein Rabbit” Story Started
The viral images mostly came from Fort Collins, Colorado. Locals saw wild rabbits with black, horn-like lumps growing around their heads. These unusual pictures quickly spread online, with many people wondering if it was a hoax or some kind of mutation.
The Real Cause Behind the Strange Look
The truth is – these rabbits are real. The strange growths are caused by a virus called Shope Papilloma Virus (SPV), also known as cottontail rabbit papilloma virus.
- This virus only affects rabbits.
- It causes hard, wart-like tumors made of keratin to grow on the head, face, and neck.
- The growths can sometimes look like horns or tentacles.
Experts from Colorado Parks & Wildlife have confirmed that this virus is not dangerous to humans or pets.
Is This Something New?
No, it is not new.
- Scientists first discovered SPV in the 1930s in Iowa and Kansas.
- The look of these infected rabbits inspired the old American folklore creature called the jackalope – a mythical horned rabbit.
The recent attention is mainly because social media posts made the pictures go viral.
Should You Be Worried?
Not really.
- SPV cannot infect humans or other animals.
- It only harms rabbits if the growths become too big, making it hard for them to eat or see.
- Wildlife experts recommend leaving infected wild rabbits alone.
Frankenstein Rabbit Real or Fake
The Frankenstein rabbit is real – but it is not a monster. It’s a normal wild rabbit infected with a known virus that causes horn-like growths. The condition is unusual but not a danger to people.
