Colorado’s “Frankenstein bunnies” are wild cottontails with papillomavirus-caused skin growths that can become dark and horn-like. They are not true horns: most affected wild rabbits survive, but growths that interfere with eating or drinking warrant wildlife-professional guidance.
The virus is specific to rabbits, so it does not infect people, dogs, or cats. Outdoor domestic rabbits can be exposed, however, and suspected disease in a pet rabbit calls for veterinary advice.
What are the horn-like growths on Colorado rabbits?
The condition is called rabbit papillomas by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Cottontail rabbit papillomavirus can cause black nodules, usually on the head, that may elongate into horn-like growths. These are skin growths, not antlers, bones, or true horns.
Colorado photographs and public reports, including attention around Fort Collins in August 2025, brought the condition into the news. CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose told KUNC, “It’s not unusual in Colorado. It happens every summer. It’s pretty cyclical.” Public attention does not establish an outbreak or a count of distinct infected rabbits.
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s cottontail rabbit guidance describes the condition and its typical effects.
What is Shope papillomavirus?
“Shope papillomavirus” and “cottontail rabbit papillomavirus” are common names for the virus associated with rabbit papillomas. The name Shope comes from researcher Richard E. Shope, who described the rabbit disease in the 1930s.
It is misleading to call the condition “rabbit HPV” without explanation. Rabbit papillomavirus and human papillomavirus belong to the same broad virus family, but they are not the same virus. This rabbit-specific virus does not infect people.
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How does the virus spread?
CPW says biting insects can transmit the virus, naming fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes; their activity and the agency’s sightings of growths peak in summer. An older CPW handout also notes that direct rabbit-to-rabbit contact may spread it. The available sources do not identify the route behind any particular Colorado sighting.
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Can the virus infect people, dogs, or cats?
No. CPW describes the virus as specific to rabbits and says it does not cause disease in other species. Still, do not handle an affected wild rabbit. Keep dogs and other pets away from wild rabbits, as CPW advises.
Outdoor domestic rabbits can contact infected wild rabbits or biting insects. CPW says disease in domestic rabbits can be more severe; contact a veterinarian if a pet rabbit develops suspected lesions. This condition is not rabbit hemorrhagic disease, a separate illness.
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Are Frankenstein bunnies dangerous or likely to die?
Most infected wild cottontails survive, and the growths may go away as the infection resolves. CPW says the growths usually do not significantly affect wild rabbits unless they interfere with eating or drinking. Lesions near the eyes or mouth may also be concerning.
| What you see | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Growths, but the rabbit appears to move and feed normally | Many affected cottontails survive; the growths may go away. | Observe from a distance and keep pets away. |
| Growths obstructing the mouth or interfering with eating or drinking | The lesions may be affecting essential functions. | Contact a wildlife agency or licensed rehabilitator for guidance. |
| A growth near an eye or other apparent distress | The rabbit may need professional assessment. | Do not catch or treat it; seek wildlife-professional advice. |
| Lesions on a domestic rabbit | Domestic rabbits may develop more severe disease. | Contact a veterinarian. |
CPW does not recommend euthanizing an affected wild rabbit unless the growths interfere with eating or drinking. Do not cut, pull, or medicate the growths yourself.
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- Keep your distance. Do not corner, pick up, or restrain the rabbit.
- Keep pets away. Do not let dogs or other pets interact or come into contact with the rabbit.
- Observe from a distance. Note whether the rabbit appears able to move and whether growths seem to interfere with eating or drinking.
- Contact local wildlife professionals if the rabbit appears distressed or unable to eat or drink normally.
- For a domestic rabbit with suspected lesions, contact a veterinarian.
The 1930s discovery and cancer research
In the 1930s, Richard E. Shope described the rabbit disease. His work contributed to scientific understanding of the relationship between viruses and cancer. That research connection should not be simplified into a claim that the rabbit virus directly produced the human HPV vaccine.
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Are Colorado’s rabbits the real jackalope?
No. The jackalope is a folklore creature often imagined as a rabbit with antlers. Papillomas on real cottontails can create a striking visual resemblance, and some accounts suggest that horn-like growths may have helped inspire the legend.
That connection is plausible, not proven. CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose told KUNC, “we don’t really know for sure.” Colorado sightings show a resemblance, not the definitive origin of the folklore.
Myth versus biology
| Claim | What the evidence supports |
|---|---|
| “The rabbit has horns.” | It has viral skin growths that can look horn-like, not true horns or antlers. |
| “It is dangerous to people, dogs, or cats.” | The virus is specific to rabbits; keep pets away from wild rabbits anyway. |
| “Every affected rabbit will die.” | Most wild cottontails survive, though growths can interfere with eating or drinking. |
| “The Colorado sightings prove the source of the jackalope.” | The resemblance is real, but the folklore connection is unproven. |
The bottom line
Colorado’s “Frankenstein bunnies” are cottontails with papillomavirus-caused skin growths, not rabbits with true horns. Most affected wild rabbits survive, but growths that interfere with eating or drinking can be serious. Keep people and pets away from wild rabbits, and seek veterinary care for a domestic rabbit with suspected lesions.
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FAQ
Why do rabbits in Colorado have horns?
The horn-like projections are skin growths caused by cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, also called Shope papillomavirus. They are not true horns or antlers.
Can the virus spread to humans or pets?
The virus is specific to rabbits and does not infect people, dogs, or cats. Domestic rabbits can be exposed, so contact a veterinarian if a pet rabbit develops suspected lesions.
Are the growths harmful to rabbits?
Most infected wild cottontails survive, and the growths may go away. Growths that interfere with eating or drinking can be serious; do not try to treat a wild rabbit yourself.
Are the rabbits proof that jackalopes are real?
No. Jackalopes are folklore, while the papillomas are a real biological condition. The resemblance may have inspired stories, but that origin is not proven.
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