Why these wild rabbits have "horn-like" warts on their heads
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A cottontail rabbit with the papilloma virus in Minnesota. Photo: Education Images/Universal Images Group
Cottontail rabbits in Colorado have been spotted with "wart-like" growths on their faces. But don't worry — they're OK.
Why it matters: The viral infection causing the horn-like growth spurts can come from ticks, according to public officials, which is yet another sign of this summer's unusually "out of control" tick season.
Driving the news: Residents in Colorado spotted rabbits with black spurts on their head this week, drawing comparisons to zombies and Frankenstein's monster.
- Some called them "tentacle rabbits." Others deemed them nightmare fuel.
Yes, but: The warts and horns aren't uncommon as they are likely the result of the papillomavirus, which has been seen in Colorado before, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose.
- "The virus is spread through biting insects like fleas or ticks. It causes wart-like growths on the face," she said.
- Van Hoose said she's received a dozen reports of the rabbits, though it's likely some people are seeing the same bunnies.
What to know about the papillomas virus
Papillomavirus mainly affects cottontail rabbits, per the National Library of Medicine, and is often seen in those rabbits living the Midwest.
- Signs of infection include "black nodules on the skin, usually the head," according to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife's website.
- "Growths can sometimes become elongated, taking on a horn‐like appearance," the website reads.
Context: These dark growths don't hurt the rabbits outright, but they could impact their ability to eat or drink, according to Van Hoose. Most cottontail rabbits survive the infection.
- "The virus is mostly benign in rabbits," Van Hoose said. "The animal can clear the virus from its system on its own."
- "We would be concerned only if the growths are on the eyes or impede the rabbit's ability to eat," she said.
Worth noting: The papillomavirus cannot spread to humans or pets, though there are human strains of it, Van Hoose said. She warned for pets to stay away from the rabbits, though.
Tick season impacts "horn-like" rabbits
What to know: The spread of the infection for rabbits comes amid a bug boom of ticks and other insects, which is fueled by climate change and invasive species.
- Tick-related emergency room visits are up nationwide, hitting peak levels not seen since summer 2019, according to CDC data. Humans can contract multiple health issues from ticks, including Lyme Disease.
- The Northeast, as well as Washington, D.C., have been particularly hit hard for tick bites.
Go deeper: What to do if you find a tick
