In Fort Collins, Colorado, a peculiar sighting of wild rabbits with disturbing facial growths has been reported.
Locals have captured images of these afflicted rabbits, which may be unsettling for some. The rabbits appear as if they are plagued by dark, stubby tentacles emerging from their skin.
However, this is not a scene from a science fiction series.
The phenomenon is due to the cottontail papilloma virus (CRPV), which has also contributed to the ‘jackalope’ legend — the idea of a rabbit with antlers. This virus leads to benign, unusual tumors appearing on the rabbits’ heads.
Following these recent sightings, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has shared its professional insights on the situation.
According to CPW, as reported by Eyewitness News 3, individuals who come across these infected rabbits should avoid any contact with them, despite the virus not being transmissible across different species.
Scientists believe that these ‘Frankenstein’ variations could spread through the Midwest, transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks that bite the infected rabbits, rather than direct rabbit-to-rabbit contact.
For the rabbits affected by CRPV, the infection begins with red, raised spots on the skin, eventually developing into warty masses.
As the infection progresses, black tendrils emerge around the mouth, cheek, and eye areas. Some initial warts may also develop into serious skin cancer.
Fort Collins resident Susan Mansfield recounted to WLBT3 her experience of seeing an infected rabbit, saying: “It looked like black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around its mouth.
“I thought he’d die off during the winter, but he didn’t. He came back a second year – and it grew.”
Veterinarians advise rabbit owners to protect their pets from pests, but if a rabbit is bitten by a mosquito, the tumors can be surgically removed before becoming malignant.
For wild rabbits, the growth of these horn-like protrusions could eventually lead to starvation, as they hinder their ability to see, eat, or hear.
In related intriguing news, it’s interesting to note that certain parasitic fungi, which inspired themes in “The Last of Us,” can be extremely valuable, selling for up to $110,000.
Known as ‘ophiocordyceps unilateralis,’ or the zombie-ant fungus, it is notorious for killing insects and taking over their bodies.
The fungus comes in various forms, identified by the host animal it takes over. One type, found in caterpillars, is called Cordyceps militaris or ‘Scarlet Caterpillarclub,’ and is available commercially with some claimed health benefits.
While some Cordyceps species are used in traditional Chinese medicine and cooking, there is no evidence supporting the safe consumption of ophiocordyceps unilateralis by humans, so it is advised not to try it at home!