Rabbits With ‘Tentacles’ in Colorado: What’s Going On?

Curiosity turned to concern in Fort Collins as residents spotted rabbits with tentacle- or horn-like growths on their faces. Photos shared online showed what appeared to be black quills or toothpicks around the mouth. The sight looks dramatic, yet wildlife experts say there is a clear, natural reason behind it.

What Residents Saw In Fort Collins

Neighbors in southeast Fort Collins, including KUSA’s Northern Colorado reporter, described “black quills” and a “scabbiesh-looking” crust over the face. Susan Mansfield said the same rabbit returned to her yard for two years, and the growths continued to increase. KUSA contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the NOCO Humane Society after posts surfaced on Reddit.

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Cause: Shope Papillomavirus

Colorado Parks and Wildlife identified the condition as Shope papillomavirus, a virus that causes wart-like tumors on rabbits. The growths can resemble tentacles or small horns and often appear on the head, ears, eyelids, and around the mouth. Officials stressed an important point for public safety: the virus spreads only between rabbits and is not contagious to humans, dogs, or other wildlife.

The virus typically moves through biting insects such as mosquitoes and ticks and tends to show up more during summer and fall. Most tumors are benign, though some can become malignant. There is no cure for wild populations, and rabbits usually continue normal behavior unless growths block vision or eating.

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Myths And Facts

Fears about plague or a broad outbreak surfaced in neighborhood chatter. That does not match the science. This condition involves a rabbit-specific papillomavirus, not a threat to public health. The growths may look like cancer; many remain benign. Officials compared them to warts or benign cancerous cells that keep growing, sometimes over multiple seasons.

Guidance From Officials

Colorado Parks and Wildlife urged residents to keep a distance. Do not approach, touch, feed, or try to help these rabbits. Interference creates stress for the animal and risks an avoidable bite or scratch. Observation from a safe distance remains the best course.

Prevention Tips For Pet Rabbits

Pet owners asked what they can do at home. While wild rabbits should be left alone, household care can reduce risk for pet bunnies:

• Use fine insect screens and keep hutches dry to limit mosquitoes and ticks.
• Sweep spilled feed and clear yard clutter to reduce insect harborage.
• Apply vet-approved tick and mosquito controls suitable for rabbits.
• Check ears, eyelids, and muzzle weekly for small, wart-like bumps.
• Schedule prompt veterinary exams for any facial growths or eating trouble.
• Discuss surgical removal with your vet if a tumor interferes with the eyes or mouth, as PetMD notes for domestic cases.

Our Opinion

Nature often looks strange up close, yet it follows rules we can understand. I feel for these rabbits, and I respect the guidance to let wildlife be. Good information calms fear, protects pets, and keeps people from intervening where distance works best.