If you have seen strange pictures or videos of rabbits in Colorado with dark, horn-like tentacles growing from their heads, you might be asking – are these rabbits real or fake? The short answer is they are real. Let’s explain what’s going on.
What People Are Seeing in Colorado
In Fort Collins, Colorado, people have spotted wild cottontail rabbits with weird black spikes, horns, or tentacles coming out of their heads and faces.
These growths look strange and even scary, but they are not the result of Photoshop or any kind of hoax.
Rabbit With Tentacles Virus Real or Fake
The Real Cause – A Rabbit Virus
Wildlife experts have confirmed that these rabbits are suffering from a real condition caused by the Shope papillomavirus (also called cottontail rabbit papilloma virus).
This virus makes hard, wart-like growths appear on the skin, especially around the head and mouth. Sometimes, these growths get so big they look like tentacles or antlers.
Is Rabbits With Tentacles Dangerous?
- To Humans and Pets : No – this virus does not harm people or domestic animals.
- To Rabbits : Usually, it’s not deadly. But if the growths block their vision or mouth, it can make it hard for them to eat or avoid predators.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says the virus has been around for decades and is quite common in wild rabbits.
Fun Fact – The Jackalope Legend
This same virus might have inspired the old American legend of the jackalope – a mythical rabbit with horns. Back in the 1930s, people saw infected rabbits and started telling stories about horned bunnies.
Colorado Rabbits With Tentacles Real or Fake
- Real – These rabbits exist, and the growths are a real medical condition.
- Not Fake – The photos and videos are genuine, not edited or made up.
What to Do If You See One
- Do not try to touch or catch the rabbit.
- Keep your pets away.
- If you are concerned, you can inform your local wildlife officials.
