Tentacled rabbits in northern Colorado.
There isn’t a better way to describe the recent images and news reports of cottontail rabbits with lengthy, hanging facial growths that have been sighted in the Fort Collins area.
However, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said Wednesday that despite their alarming appearance, the virus that generates the dark, wart-like growths is somewhat common and typically not a cause for concern.
According to CPW spokesman Kara Van Hoose, the growths are brought on by the rabbit or shope papilloma virus, which is transmitted between cottontail rabbits by direct touch or by insects like fleas and ticks biting them.
Although humans and other pets cannot contract the Shope papilloma virus, Van Hoose advised both to stay away from rabbits and other wildlife.
Since Denver’s 9 News released a picture and article about the strange virus last week, which went viral to dozens of other local, national, and international news sites, state officials have received a few reports of the illness.
The majority of rabbits recover from the virus, and the waxy papillomas, which are primarily composed of keratin, don’t harm them until they impede their capacity to eat or drink.
According to state officials, pet owners should seek veterinarian care if their rabbit becomes unwell since the rabbit papilloma virus can infect pets and is more severe in domestic breeds.
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