A group of rabbits in Fort Collins, Colorado, infected with the Shope papillomavirus exhibit unusual hornlike growths. This virus, mostly harmless, has inspired various nicknames like "Frankenstein bunnies" and "zombie rabbits." Historically, it has connections to the jackalope myth and has contributed to research on the link between certain viruses and cancer. Reports of sightings have increased as residents posted photos. Infected rabbits are especially common in summer when fleas and ticks that transmit the virus are most prevalent.
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.
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.
It's not uncommon to see infected rabbits, especially in the summer, when the fleas and ticks that spread the virus are most active.
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