Weird Tentacled Rabbits Trigger Urgent “Do Not Touch” Warning in Colorado

Residents of Fort Collins are being warned to steer clear of wild rabbits with bizarre, horn- or tentacle-like growths on their heads and faces. Colorado Parks and Wildlife issued the alert after multiple sightings of the unusual animals raised concerns among locals.

The sight has alarmed neighbors in communities like Fort Collins. One resident described spotting what appeared to be “black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around” a rabbit’s mouth. Multiple photos and videos have circulated online, and local reporters confirmed numerous sightings in affected neighborhoods.

The strange growths are caused by a viral infection called Shope papilloma virus — also known as cottontail papilloma virus (CRPV). The virus triggers wart-like, horn-like, or tentacle-like tumors, usually around the rabbit’s head, ears, and eyes. While the growths look alarming, wildlife experts say they are generally benign, though they may sometimes become cancerous.

“The key thing for residents to remember is don’t touch these rabbits,”

Said a Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson.

“The virus spreads among rabbits primarily through insect bites — mosquitoes and ticks — and is not contagious to humans or pets. Still, domestic rabbit owners should take precautions to protect their pets from insect bites.”

While the growths rarely harm rabbits unless they block the animal’s mouth, nose, or eyes — which could interfere with eating, seeing, or hearing — there is no known cure for wild rabbits infected with the virus.

The virus spreads primarily through biting insects, such as ticks and mosquitoes, and close contact between rabbits. While papillomas can progress to carcinoma in some cases, veterinary and wildlife sources emphasize that the virus is specific to rabbits and poses no public health risk to humans or other animals.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife asks anyone who encounters an affected rabbit to photograph and report the sighting rather than intervene. Residents are also advised to keep children and pets away from the animals. Officials stressed that observing from a distance is the safest course, allowing wildlife biologists to monitor the situation without risk.

Guidelines for the public include:

• Do not touch or attempt to capture affected rabbits.
• Keep children and pets away from the animals.
• Photograph and report sightings to local wildlife authorities to help track the spread.

While the growths are alarming in appearance, experts say there is no evidence of broader risks to humans or other wildlife.

The phenomenon isn’t unheard of in wild rabbit populations and has even inspired the folklore creature known as the “jackalope,” a mythical rabbit with antlers. Experts caution that attempts to “help” these rabbits can harm the animals and the ecosystem.

Residents who spot these strange rabbits are advised to admire them from a safe distance and avoid handling them.

“It’s a wildlife disease issue that requires monitoring,” the spokesperson said, “but it does not pose a direct threat to people or pets.”

Colorado’s “Frankenstein bunnies” remain a curiosity that is best observed — but not touched.