Colorado wildlife lovers have been doing double takes lately. In Fort Collins, residents have spotted rabbits with bizarre horn-like growths, earning them the nickname “Frankenstein bunnies.” While they may look unsettling, these cottontails are not supernatural creatures—they’re simply infected with Shope papillomavirus, a condition common among wild rabbits.

The Virus Behind the Myth

Shope papillomavirus causes wart-like growths that can appear as protruding “horns” on a rabbit’s head and face. The condition isn’t new—it has inspired folklore for centuries, most famously the North American jackalope legend. The virus also played a role in advancing scientific understanding of the link between viruses and certain cancers, such as human papillomavirus and cervical cancer.

Discovered in the 1930s by Dr. Richard E. Shope, the disease remains an important point of study for both wildlife biology and medical research.

Not Dangerous to Humans or Pets

Despite their unsettling appearance, these rabbits pose no threat to humans or domestic animals. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose, Shope papillomavirus spreads between rabbits, mainly through fleas and ticks, but cannot infect other species.

Summer months bring higher chances of seeing infected rabbits, as parasite activity peaks. The growths can look alarming, but they generally don’t harm the animals unless they block the eyes or mouth, making it harder to eat.

Nature’s Recovery Process

Most infected rabbits eventually recover on their own. Their immune systems can fight off the virus, causing the growths to shrink and disappear over time. Until then, the strange-looking animals continue their normal routines—proof that nature can be both resilient and oddly theatrical.

Bottom line: These “Frankenstein bunnies” aren’t monsters—they’re simply another example of wildlife’s quirks and the fascinating stories behind them.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more captivating nature and science updates.

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