Rabbits with unusual horn-like growths have been seen in Fort Collins, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) says a virus is to blame.
The growths, described as black, tentacle-like protrusions, have appeared on the heads of some rabbits in the area. CPW confirmed the condition is not harmful to humans or pets but advised against approaching or touching the animals.
Residents in southeast Fort Collins recently began noticing the affected rabbits, including 9NEWS Northern Colorado reporter Amanda Gilbert. Susan Mansfield reported seeing a rabbit with black spines or “quills” around its mouth.
“It looks like it was black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around his or her mouth,” Mansfield said. “I thought he would die off during the winter, but he didn’t. He came back a second year, and it grew.”
Another resident described the animal as having “a scabbiesh-looking growth over their face.”
According to wildlife officials, the virus causes wart-like protrusions similar to benign cancer cells, usually on the rabbit’s face or head. CPW stated there is no known cure, and while the virus can spread between rabbits, it is not known to infect humans, dogs, or other wildlife.
Officials said the growths do not harm the rabbits unless they appear in sensitive areas such as the eyes or mouth. While the condition poses no public health risk, CPW recommends keeping a safe distance from infected rabbits and not attempting to handle them.
