Frankenstein Rabbits With Horns Spotted In Colorado Here’s Why
A strange sight is puzzling people in northern Colorado these days wild rabbits with black horns and tentacle like projection growing on their faces
Some Fort Collins Residents Say The Rabbits Have Black Spines Or Black Toothpick Like Structures On Their Faces That Look Like Characters From A Horror Movie Locals Have Even Jokingly given them a nickname Frankenstein Rabbits
The reason for this strange appearance a virus
According to Colorado Parks And Wildlife CPW Its not a Mysterious Curse But An Infection called Shope Papillomavirus SPV The Virus Causes Wart-Like Waxy And Sometimes Horn-Like Growths On A rabbit’s Face It’s spread By Biting Insects such as Fleas And Ticks
SPV is most commonly seen in cottontail rabbits, and cases tend to increase in the summer, when both rabbit numbers and insect activity are at their peak.
SPV is Most Commonly Seen In Cottontail Rabbits AND Cases tend to increase in the summer When Both Rabbits Numbers And Insect Activity are At their peak
Danger to humans and pets
The good news is that the virus donesn’t spread to humans or most other animals However experts recommend that it’s best to keep your distance from infected rabbits pet rabbits can catch the virus from infected insects or wild rabbits if they live outside so caution is a must
Do These Rabbits Suffer
In most cases, rabbits with SPV live a completely normal life. They live on. The horn-like growths do not cause pain, unless they grow so large that the rabbit has trouble eating and drinking.
In Most Cases, Rabbits With SPV live A completely normal Life. They Live On The horn-like growths. Do Not Cause Pain Unless They Grow So Large That The Rabbit Has Trouble Eating And Drinking
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says euthanasia is not necessary in such cases because the disease is not fatal
Colorado Parks And Wildlife says euthanasia is not necessary i such cases because the disease is not fatal
What if you see a rabbit with horns
A rabbit with a black tumor on its head or neck is not an Emergency for animal control. There is no specific rehab center for, says Julie Lindstrom, animal control supervisor in South Dakota
Just Remember
- Don’t try to touch or hold the rabbit
- Don’t let pets get close to it
- If a rabbit seems to be having unusual difficulty moving notify the local wildlife authority
- And if you find a dead rabbit on your property it’s perfectly fine to safely remove it with gloves on whether it looks ifected or not
Conclusion More Curiosity Than Fear
Horned Rabbits may look strange and a little scary, but they’re not the villains of a horror story. They’re just a Unique aspect of nature that reminds us that there’s still a lot to be surprised by in the wild
