Shocking warning about infected rabbits and infected squirrels in US.
Something strange is hopping through the neighborhoods of Fort Collins, Colorado, leaving residents both horrified and fascinated.
Initial sightings profiled.
Locals first noticed unusual growths on wild rabbits earlier this year, posting photos online that quickly went viral.
The images showed black, tentacle-like protrusions sprouting from the rabbits’ faces, giving them a nightmarish appearance.
Witnesses described seeing what looked like quills or tiny spikes emerging from the animals’ mouths and cheeks.
“It looked like black toothpicks sticking out all around its mouth,” said Fort Collins resident Susan Mansfield, who watched a rabbit survive through two winters.
Scientific explanation revealed.
Wildlife experts quickly identified the culprit: cottontail rabbit papilloma virus, also called CRPV, a virus long studied in rabbits.
The virus causes wart-like, keratinized lesions that can turn into black tendrils resembling horns or tentacles.
Though alarming, CRPV is generally benign and not contagious to humans, spreading instead through mosquitoes and ticks.
Early stages start as red, raised spots on the skin, eventually growing into larger, more grotesque tumors.
In some cases, these lesions can evolve into malignant tumors, threatening the rabbits’ health.
CRPV was first documented decades ago as a model for studying papillomavirus-related cancer.
The virus has long inspired folklore, such as the mythical jackalope, due to its horn-like growths.
For years, isolated cases appeared in rural areas, but recent sightings in Fort Collins represent a surge in prevalence.
Researchers speculate climate factors and expanding mosquito populations may have accelerated the spread of the virus.
Historical data shows that the virus usually remains contained, but insect vectors allow it to reach new rabbit populations.
Impact on rabbits highlighted.
In the wild, infected rabbits may struggle to eat or see as their tumors grow, sometimes leading to starvation.
Domestic rabbits are not immune, but veterinarians can surgically remove tumors before they become life-threatening.
Wildlife officials stress that humans should avoid touching these animals to prevent unnecessary stress.
The virus relies entirely on arthropod vectors like mosquitoes and ticks to move between rabbits.
Community reaction unveiled.
The bizarre appearance of the rabbits sparked a mix of awe and alarm among residents and social media users.
Locals shared images online, comparing the rabbits to creatures from horror movies or science fiction.
The unusual cases have drawn attention from both the public and researchers monitoring wildlife diseases.
Experts remind observers that, despite appearances, the rabbits do not pose a direct threat to human health.
Expert warnings and advice confirmed.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife issued a public warning advising people to keep their distance from infected rabbits.
Observers are encouraged to report sightings to local wildlife authorities for monitoring purposes.
Veterinary experts emphasize keeping domestic rabbits away from mosquitoes and ticks to prevent infection.
Wildlife specialists continue to study the virus’s behavior, transmission, and ecological effects.
The outbreak has left experts and locals closely monitoring the Fort Collins area.
Some rabbits have survived multiple winters despite worsening growths, drawing further public attention.
Social media continues to amplify images and reports, making the “Frankenstein rabbit” a viral sensation.
Terrifying rabbit outbreak could spread.
While no human cases have been reported, experts caution that the virus could continue spreading among wild rabbits across the Midwest.
Residents are urged to admire these bizarre creatures from a safe distance while authorities track this growing, tentacled menace.
And now there are infected squirrels!
Cases of squirrel pox have increased with multiple sightings of squirrels with large warts.
“You have one squirrel eating at the feeder that has the virus and its saliva gets on the feeder of the other seeds. Then another squirrel comes along and comes in contact with that saliva — it’s the perfect place to spread squirrel pox.”
Thankfully humans can’t catch it… but still stay away.