Colorado's 'Horned' Rabbits Explained: Nothing to Fear from these Bizarre Bunnies
In Colorado, a number of unusually 'horned' rabbits have been sighted, causing a stir among local residents. These bizarre bunnies might seem like they've jumped straight out of a science-fiction movie, but scientists assure there's nothing to be alarmed about. The peculiar growths are simply the result of a fairly common virus.
The rabbits, sighted in the area of Fort Collins, are carriers of the largely benign Shope papillomavirus. This causes the development of wart-like protrusions on their faces, giving the impression of growing horns.
Furry Creatures Earning Infamous Nicknames
The sightings of these peculiar rabbits have led to a flurry of unusual nicknames. People have begun referring to them as 'Frankenstein bunnies', 'demon rabbits', and even 'zombie rabbits'. Despite the eerie monikers, the virus affecting these rabbits is not a new phenomenon. It has been known to scientists for nearly a century and even has ties to ancient folklore.
The Shope papillomavirus in rabbits is believed to have influenced the age-old jackalope legend in North America. The myth describes a creature that's a cross between a rabbit and an antelope, with antlers or horns. Additionally, studying this virus in rabbits has significantly contributed to understanding the link between viruses and cancer, similar to how the human papillomavirus is linked to cervical cancer.
The Virus: A Brief History
This virus was named in honor of Dr. Richard E Shope, a professor at a renowned university who first discovered it in cottontails back in the 1930s.
Recently, the rabbit sightings in Fort Collins, situated about 65 miles north of Denver, have gained significant attention. This came about as residents started noticing the unusual rabbits in their vicinity and began sharing pictures.
Not a Threat to Other Species
A representative from Colorado's Parks and Wildlife department stated that they have been receiving numerous calls about the horned rabbits seen in Fort Collins. However, she clarified that it's not uncommon to encounter infected rabbits, particularly in the summer. This is the period when fleas and ticks, the primary carriers of the virus, are most active. Importantly, the virus can spread amongst rabbits but does not affect other species, including humans and pets.
Appearance and Impact on Rabbits
The viral growths on the rabbits may look like warts or even horns if they grow longer. They don't generally harm the rabbits unless they develop on their eyes or mouths and interfere with their ability to eat. The good news is that rabbits' immune systems are capable of combating the virus. Once they do, the unusual growths will eventually disappear.