Archive · 12 Aug 2025
Colorado Rabbits with Tentacles: Explained by Wildlife Officials
Some rabbits in Colorado have been spotted with strange, tentacle-like growths on their faces.
These are caused by a virus called rabbit papillomavirus, which makes wart-like growths.
It's like a rabbit getting a bunch of small, unusual tumors.
This virus is common in cottontail rabbits.
The growths are not dangerous to people or other animals.
The virus spreads through the bites of ticks and mosquitoes.
The rabbits should be left alone and treated like any other wild animal.
There is no cure for the virus, but the rabbits can still live a normal life.
Residents of Fort Collins, Colorado, reported seeing rabbits with tentacle-like growths.
The growths are caused by the rabbit (Shope) papillomavirus, a benign tumor.
The virus is most common in cottontail rabbits and is not contagious to humans or other animals.
The virus spreads through ticks and mosquitoes.
Wildlife officials advise residents to observe the rabbits from a safe distance and not to interfere.
- Who
- Cottontail rabbits are affected by the virus; residents of Fort Collins have observed the rabbits.
- What
- Rabbits are exhibiting tentacle-like growths caused by a virus.
- When
- Sightings have been reported recently in Fort Collins, Colorado, and previously in July 2022 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
- Where
- Fort Collins, Colorado, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
- Why
- The growths are caused by the rabbit (Shope) papillomavirus, a virus that leads to the development of wart-like growths.
Public Concerns
Wildlife Official Explanation
Public Health vs. Wildlife Explanation
Public Concerns
Community members expressed concerns about a potential disease or environmental hazard.
Wildlife Official Explanation
Wildlife officials clarified the condition is a naturally occurring virus, not a significant health threat.
- Affected Animals
- Cottontail rabbits
- Location
- Fort Collins, CO, and Sioux Falls, SD
- Cause
- Rabbit (Shope) papillomavirus
- Growth Type
- Benign tumors
- Transmission
- Ticks and mosquitoes
- Contagious to humans
- No
- Treatment
- None available