Black-tendriled ‘Frankenstein’ rabbits have been observed in the
US
.

Seeming as though they’ve come directly from
HBO
’s fungus horror show,
The Last of Us
These altered rabbits have been observed in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Hares have always considered the town their residence, frequently observed leaping between gardens, feeding on grassy areas.

However, local resident Susan Mansfield mentioned that she recently spotted one with “black quills or black toothpicks protruding from all sides.”

She informed a regional television channel
KOSA
I believed he would pass away during the winter, but he didn’t; he returned for another season, and it flourished.

What… is going on?

Reports of rabbits displaying slug-like growths have been documented as early as last year, beginning with a Reddit user
shared photographs
a hare in her yard adorned with spikes.

The rabbits have contracted an illness known as cottontail rabbit papilloma, initially documented in the 1930s among cottontail rabbits found in Iowa and Kansas.

The infection is caused by the cunning Shope papilloma virus, which infiltrates a rabbit’s skin cells and alters their function, leading to uncontrolled replication.

As time passes, these cells accumulate and create rough, dark sores known as rabbit papillomas, which grow out of the rabbit’s neck, shoulders, eyes, and eyelids.

They may range in size, from something as tiny as a pea up to several centimeters.

These unattractive growths serve more than just to scare us — they provide the virus with ample room to continue multiplying.

However, the tumors themselves do not spread from person to person. The virus is passed through mosquito and tick bites, with infections reaching their highest levels during summer when these pests are most prevalent.

Will the bunnies be fine?

Hares usually recover from the illness spontaneously, with
research suggesting
approximately 35% of infected rabbits experience the disappearance of papillomas within six months.

No effective treatment has been identified, and although many affected rabbits live through the infection, the tumors may hinder their capacity to consume food, ultimately leading to starvation.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife
states in a notice: ‘Because of this, CPW advises against putting rabbits with papillomas to sleep unless the condition is affecting the rabbit’s capacity to eat and drink.’

Sometimes, however, the
warts develop into squamous cell cancer,
a severe type of skin cancer.

Are there any dangers for people? How about other creatures?

Authorities in Colorado have advised individuals against touching or offering food to these peculiar-appearing hares.

However, individuals should not be afraid of them, said Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

LFHCK.ID

.

‘Still, this particular type of Shope papilloma virus can’t spread to people,’ she emphasized. ‘However, it’s not possible to rule out the possibility that the virus might change over time and become capable of doing so.’

The Cottontail rabbit papillomavirus belongs to a group of viruses known as papillomaviruses.

Several mammal species harbor distinct types of papillomaviruses. For instance, in deer,
it may lead to the development of fatty, blister-like growths
.

Humans have their own – HPV, also known as
human papillomavirus
There are various kinds of HPV, a widely spread sexually transmitted infection, often leading to genital warts.

“Thankfully, it doesn’t make us develop tentacles or horns on our faces,” stated Van Hoose.

‘We cannot be certain whether this might change in the future, since viruses have the ability to evolve and alter themselves over time.’

Some danger exists for the virus spreading to pet rabbits, prompting warnings from Van Hoose for rabbit owners to keep their pets inside.

If they contract cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, they must be brought to a vet, as stated in a
CPW tipsheet
.

Is an outbreak possible?

Unlikely, emphasized Van Hoose, who described claims of increasing cases or concerns about an outbreak as ‘exaggerated’.

“This is a virus that emerges each summer and can impact rabbits across the United States. The general public does not need to worry,” she stated.

Van Hoose mentioned that the organization did not get any reports about an infected rabbit until media outlets started covering them this month.

‘Since then, we’ve received perhaps two dozen reports,’ she said. ‘It might be 24 distinct rabbits or six rabbits spotted four times.’

Some
social media users
They claim to have spotted the lustful bunnies in Washington, appearing nearly identical to a unicorn.

Chase Gunnell, a representative from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, stated

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that agency officials have
has not received any new sightings recently
originating from Seattle or another part of the state.

“We can’t confirm a wildlife illness just because of an unverified social media post,” Gunnell said.

‘Although we are unaware of dangers to individuals, we are unable to address potential effects on human health.’

Hares possessing horns, commonly known as jackalopes, were mentioned in writings from the 16th through the 18th century.

Historians and scientists believe
That reports of these legendary beings might have actually been rabbits affected by papilloma.

I believe they appear quite metallic!” Van Hoose remarked. “It’s fascinating what nature is capable of.

The piece appeared initially on August 13, 2025.

Contact our journalism team via email at
webnews@LFHCK.ID.co.uk
.

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