The Strange Case of 'Frankenstein Bunnies' in Colorado

Introduction

Cottontail rabbits in Fort Collins, Colorado have been causing quite a stir with their unusual appearance. These rabbits, also known as ‘Frankenstein bunnies’, have wart-like growths on their faces that resemble horns. The cause of this strange phenomenon has been linked to the Shope papillomavirus, a common virus that often affects rabbits in the wild. So why are these rabbits getting so much attention?

Key Details

The Shope papillomavirus is a contagious virus that can cause wart-like growths on the skin of rabbits. These growths can appear on various parts of the body, including the face, ears, and feet. While the virus is relatively common, the ‘horns’ seen on the rabbits in Fort Collins are particularly striking. Some experts believe that the virus may have mutated, causing the growths to take on a horn-like appearance.

Interestingly, the virus is not harmful to the rabbits and does not affect their overall health. However, the growths can impair their vision and make it difficult for them to feed, leading to potential starvation. Some organizations in the area are working to capture and treat these rabbits, removing the growths and releasing them back into the wild.

Impact

The ‘Frankenstein bunnies’ in Colorado have sparked interest and concern among locals and wildlife experts