Genetically-engineered rabbits with horn-like structures spotted in Colorado, nicknamed 'Frankenstein bunnies' due to their unusual appearance. Here's the explanation behind it.
In the picturesque town of Fort Collins, Colorado, residents have been noticing something unusual about the local rabbit population. The cottontails have been spotted with grotesque, hornlike growths that have sparked curiosity and concern among locals. However, these growths are not a cause for alarm, as they are caused by the Shope papillomavirus.
First discovered by Professor Richard E. Shope at Rockefeller University in the 1930s, the Shope papillomavirus is a mostly harmless virus that has been around for a long time. It does not pose a threat to humans or pets, and it does not spread to other species, including rabbits themselves once they have fought off the virus.
The virus is more active during the summer months, as it is the time when fleas and ticks that spread the virus are most prevalent. The growths caused by the Shope papillomavirus can resemble warts or, if they grow longer, look like horns. While they may appear frightening, the growths do not cause the rabbits any significant discomfort or pain.
The virus likely influenced the centuries-old jackalope myth in North America, which tells of a rabbit with antlers or horns. The growths on the rabbits in Fort Collins have earned them unflattering nicknames such as "Frankenstein bunnies," "demon rabbits," and "zombie rabbits."
Despite their appearance, the growths do not harm the rabbits unless they grow on their eyes or mouths and interfere with eating. Once the rabbits' immune systems have fought off the virus, the growths will disappear. In fact, the disease in rabbits has contributed significantly to scientists' knowledge about the connection between viruses and cancer, such as the human papillomavirus that causes cervical cancer.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been receiving calls about the rabbits seen in Fort Collins. While the sightings are not unusual, they have drawn attention due to the growths on the rabbits' faces. The virus is not active outside of the rabbit species, so there is no need for concern among humans or pets.
In conclusion, while the sight of the "Frankenstein bunnies" may be unsettling, it is important to remember that the Shope papillomavirus is a mostly harmless virus that does not pose a threat to humans or pets. The growths on the rabbits are a natural part of the virus's lifecycle and do not cause the rabbits any significant harm unless they interfere with eating or vision.
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