Unusual Encounters: Discovery of Rabbits Sporting Tentacles on Their Heads Examined
Article: Strange Growths on Rabbits Spark Curiosity in Colorado
In the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, a peculiar sight has been causing quite a stir among local residents and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Wild cottontail rabbits have been spotted with unusual growths on their heads, faces, necks, and sometimes legs. These growths resemble horns, spikes, or tentacles, leading some to dub them as "zombie rabbits" due to their alarming appearance.
The cause of these growths has been identified as the Shope papilloma virus (SPV), a species-specific DNA virus that primarily infects cottontail rabbits. This virus, also known as the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV), is transmitted through biting insects such as ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes, with infections peaking in the warmer summer and fall months when these insects are most active.
The papillomas caused by the virus are typically benign and often disappear naturally within several months, though they can be painful and can interfere with the rabbits' vision or ability to eat, making infected rabbits vulnerable to predators. These tumors persist for up to around 150 days before resolving in many cases.
While the virus is mostly benign in wild rabbits, it can potentially progress to malignant cancer in domestic rabbits if left untreated. Hence, veterinary care is recommended for domestic rabbits with suspicious growths. For wild rabbits in Colorado, wildlife officials advise leaving infected animals alone to avoid stress and prevent virus spread. Monitoring reports from the public help track the virus's presence and spread.
The Shope papilloma virus has been known since the 1930s and continues to be observed in Colorado and other parts of the U.S., with outbreaks linked to insect vector populations each year. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department has reported on the issue, advising pet owners to keep their animals separated from wild rabbits and to avoid interacting with affected wild rabbits due to the severe virus.
Despite the unusual appearance of these growths, there is no cause for concern as long as the condition does not impair the feeding and vision of the rabbits. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department also advises against handling or capturing wild rabbits, as this can stress the animals and potentially spread the virus further.
The anatomical afflictions in wild rabbits have sparked the myth of the "Jackalope," a mythical creature in North American folklore with rabbit or hare attributes and antelope or deer horns. However, the growths on the rabbits observed in Colorado are not the antlers of the Jackalope but rather the result of a viral infection known as the Shope papilloma virus.
In conclusion, while the sight of these "zombie rabbits" may be startling, the Shope papilloma virus is a known entity and, in most cases, the growths caused by the virus are benign and self-resolving. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department encourages the public to report any sightings of infected rabbits to help track the virus's presence and spread, and to avoid handling or capturing wild rabbits to prevent stress and potential virus transmission.
