&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "LEAVE THEM ALONE: A virus is creating horned 'Frankenstein' rabbits in Colorado, entire Midwest at risk")
Rabbits in the United States are developing strange tentacles on top of their heads that look like horns. People are being warned not to touch them as this is happening because of a virus. It is causing a mutation which is triggering the growth of these so-called horns in these rabbits, which are actually tumours. Over the past year, several of these "Frankenstein" rabbits have been seen in Fort Collins, Colorado. Last year, a photo on social media showed a rabbit with black spikes growing from its face. A woman told 9News that she came across a rabbit with a growth that appeared like "black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around its mouth." The reason for this unusual growth is the cottontail papilloma virus (CRPV), also known as Shope papilloma virus, which is triggering tumours to grow on their face and near the mouth. Now there are fears about whether the virus can spread to humans.
Warning issued to anyone who sees tentacled rabbits
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has warned people not to touch these rabbits and stay away from them. It added that these "Frankenstein" rabbits could become a common sight in the Midwest, where other cottontail rabbits could become infected with the rare virus. It spreads through mosquitoes and ticks, which transfer the virus to a healthy animal after biting an infected rabbit. The virus alters the DNA, leading to the spikes on these rabbits. There have been no known cases of the virus directly transferring from an infected rabbit to another. CPW also clarified that the virus has not been detected in humans, and it has never been transferred to them through an insect bite.
Also Read: Scientists stumbled upon four pitch-black eggs 20,000 feet below ocean. They turned out to be...
The condition starts off as small red bumps on the rabbits. Gradually, they grow out to form warts and tumours seen on the heads and faces of rabbits. Some of them also grow further to look like horns and tentacles. In some rabbits, they develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a serious skin cancer. However, in a lucky few, the condition reverses. But in most wild rabbits, the tentacles grow out to become much bigger. Experts advise that the best way to protect the pet rabbits is to prevent mosquito bites. In case a pet does get infected, the warts can be surgically removed.
Trending Stories
)
US strikes hit key bridge and airport in southern Iran, IRGC-linked media reports
)
US caps foreign students' stay at 4 years under new visa rule; Over 3.31L Indian students could be affected
)
Ukrainian drone travels 2,500 km in 12 hours to attack oil refinery in Siberia, as CIA confirms 30-minute soldier lifespan
)
Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Maintenance, training and missiles': Inside the true cost of operating an S-400 battery
)
Amid spate of resignations at ISRO, Govt places curbs on quitters
)
BREAKING: Massive earthquake jolts tourist hotspot in New Zealand, tsunami warning issued
)
Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes
)
Iran's daring plan to seize US base, kidnap American soldiers could spark total war
)
WATCH | Terrified deer flee in panic on Iran’s Kharg Island amid US strikes
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets leave exhaust pipes raw compared to US jets
)
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, 2 other Indian-origin experts join US Fed Reserve's task forces
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are the B-52 bomber's tyres different from those on most aircraft?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much does a single S-400 missile cost?
)
Trump, Netanyahu drown in 'sea of revenge': Iran reveals new mural
)
'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar
How many missiles does one S-400 have?
)
Bihar man visits bank to withdraw Rs 1100, finds Rs 7596951951 in his account - What happened next
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian strike fighters seat pilots side-by-side compared to US jets
)
Americans need to prove they are American citizens to visit a national park in US
)
Sonam Wangchuk's health condition turns more 'critical'
)
EU concerned over disappearances in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; special trade benefits for Pakistan at risk
)
Iraqi armed group announces $10 million reward for killing Trump
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why does the B-52 bomber still use eight engines?
)
Blasts heard in Doha, Qatar confirms intercepted missile attack
)
Lamine Yamal injury scare before FIFA World Cup final? Spain issues big fitness update ahead of Argentina clash
)
‘US, Israel have no right to be in the region’: Iran warns regional infrastructure could be targeted if its own is attacked
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA 2026: BTS to Justin Bieber! A look at the complete lineup for the World Cup final halftime show
)
Argentina's racism problem: How football chants reflect a deeper historical legacy
)
'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs
)
'Revoke their licenses': Trump lashes out at TV networks that skipped his speech
Warning: Distressing images. Reader discretion is advised
