FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Neighbors in Fort Collins have reported seeing wild rabbits with strange, tentacle-like growths around their mouths that look like “black quills or black toothpicks,” a local resident said. One observer noted the same rabbit returned for a second year, despite the worrying appearance.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife identified the condition as rabbit (Shope) papillomavirus, a DNA virus that produces wart-like growths. Officials say the lesions resemble warts or benign tumor-like cells. The agency also stressed the virus is not a threat to people or other animal species and advised residents to leave affected rabbits alone, as they would any wild animal. There is no cure for the virus.
What to know and what to do
– Do not handle or attempt to remove growths from wild rabbits.
– Give wild animals space and avoid feeding them.
– If you are concerned or see injured wildlife, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife or local animal control for guidance.
Additional context and explanation
Papillomaviruses trigger excess skin cell growth, producing wart-like lesions that can look alarming but are often benign. In wild rabbit populations these infections are documented in cottontails in parts of the Midwest and can occasionally appear in domestic rabbits. While there’s no treatment for infected wild rabbits, wildlife officials recommend observation rather than intervention to avoid stressing animals or spreading disease.
Summary
Residents observed rabbits with dark, quill-like facial growths in Fort Collins. Wildlife officials say the cause is Shope papillomavirus, a DNA virus that creates wart-like lesions, is not harmful to humans or other animals, and should be left to wildlife professionals to monitor.
Hopeful note
Although unsettling to see, the condition does not pose a danger to people or other pets, and wildlife authorities are aware and advising appropriate precautions. With community cooperation—keeping distance and reporting concerns—affected rabbit populations can be monitored without unnecessary harm.
Suggestions for publication (optional)
– Suggested headline: “Fort Collins Rabbits Found With Wart-Like Growths; Wildlife Officials Identify Nonthreatening Virus”
– Suggested tags: local news, wildlife, health, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
– Consider adding a short captioned photo of a rabbit (if available) and a brief call-to-action with contact info for Colorado Parks and Wildlife so readers know where to report sightings.