A group of rabbits in Fort Collins, Colorado, are infected with Shope papillomavirus, causing wart-like growths resembling horns. This common virus has inspired nicknames such as 'Frankenstein bunnies' and ties to folklore like the jackalope myth. The virus provides insights into the relationship between viruses and cancer, influencing scientific research over the last century. Though the sightings have garnered attention, Colorado Parks and Wildlife indicates the growths are common during summer, when fleas and ticks spread the virus among rabbits, but pose no risk to humans or pets.
The cottontails recently spotted in Fort Collins are infected with the mostly harmless Shope papillomavirus, which causes wart-like growths that protrude from their faces like metastasizing horns.
This Iowa Department of Natural Resources image shows a cottontail rabbit infected with Shope papillomavirus.
The virus likely influenced the centuries-old jackalope myth in North America, which told of a rabbit with antlers or horns, among other animal variations.
The disease in rabbits also contributed to scientists' knowledge about the connection between viruses and cancer, such as the human papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer.
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