Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has received about a dozen or so reports of wild rabbits with odd, black, tube-like growths coming out of their heads, mouths, and faces. And the photos don’t disappoint. But why are these bunnies sprouting “tentacles”?
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A CPW spokesperson told Newsweek that the growths are likely from the Shope papilloma virus. Listed as a dermatologic disease of rabbits, this virus causes “large keratinized papillomas” to develop around the infected animal’s face and ears. Spread by biting insects like ticks, mosquitos, and fleas, the Shope papilloma virus can restrict or prevent eating.
CPW notes that the majority of reports are coming from northern Colorado. Even though photos of the infected bunnies are causing a media ruckus, the virus is “not uncommon in Colorado,” according to the spokesperson.
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CPW says that most infected cottontails can survive this viral infection. After the infection passes, the growths go away on their own. “For this reason, CPW does not recommend euthanizing rabbits with papillomas unless they are interfering with the rabbit’s ability to eat and drink,” CPW says.
NOTE: This species-specific virus cannot pass to humans, cats, or dogs.
See the bunnies with freaky face “tentacles” here:
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