In Colorado, rabbits with strange “horns” or “tentacles” on their faces are alarming locals and experts.
These “Frankenstein” bunnies suffer from cottontail rabbit papilloma virus (CRPV), a disease first identified in 1933.
CRPV causes wart-like tumors on rabbits’ heads and faces.
In severe cases, growths block their vision and mouth, leading to starvation.
“It looked like black quills sticking out around its mouth,” said resident Susan Mansfield.
The virus spreads mainly through mosquitoes and ticks, but also by direct contact or shared bedding and food.
While CRPV does not infect humans, experts warn people to avoid contact with sick rabbits.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges pet owners to protect rabbits from insect bites.
If caught early, vets can remove the tumors before they become cancerous.
Still, in the wild, many infected rabbits don’t survive.
“It’s heartbreaking to see them suffer,” one expert noted.
This outbreak is a stark reminder of how quickly nature can turn from gentle to grim.
