Colorado rabbits with tentacle-like growths linked to a common papillomavirus have drawn attention this week, but wildlife officials say there is little cause for alarm. Officials explain that the unusual growths are caused by Shope papillomavirus, a cottontail rabbit papillomavirus that is not known to spread to humans or other animal species and is not a new issue for the region.
The virus tends to be mostly benign for rabbits. In most cases, rabbits recover on their own, and concerns would be higher only if the growths affect the eyes or impair a rabbit’s ability to eat. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported about a dozen calls from northern Colorado since Friday about rabbits with the strange growths, though it’s possible multiple reports refer to the same animals.
Photos circulating on social media showed a rabbit with black, tentacle-like growths sprouting from its chin, a look some described as reminiscent of a character from Pirates of the Caribbean. Residents in Fort Collins and nearby areas also reported seeing similar rabbits hopping around.
The Shope papillomavirus is transmitted via insect or tick bites. The growths themselves are keratin-based, wart-like lesions that can appear on the neck, shoulders, ears and abdomen.
The virus has a long history, first described in the 1930s in cottontail rabbits from Iowa and Kansas. It is mostly found in the Midwest but has a broad range, extending from Mexico to Washington state. Some researchers even link the virus to folklore, noting that its appearance may have fed into tales like the jackalope. While the virus is usually self-limiting, there is a small risk that growths could become cancerous in domestic rabbits.
For pet owners, veterinarians should be consulted if a domestic rabbit contracts the virus. In general, observers are advised to monitor wild rabbits from a distance and avoid handling them.
What this means for locals is simple: there’s no evidence the condition threatens people, and most affected rabbits recover without intervention. The situation underscores the importance of wildlife health monitoring and provides reassurance that wild animal health can be managed without causing public alarm. If you encounter a pet rabbit with unusual growths, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Bottom line: these tentacle-like growths are a known, typically non-threatening manifestation of a rabbit-specific papillomavirus. They are not a danger to humans, and wild rabbits generally recover on their own. For pet owners, veterinary guidance is advised if a domestic rabbit shows similar signs. This episode also highlights the ongoing work of wildlife agencies to track and communicate about wildlife illnesses, balancing public curiosity with public health.