Zombie Rabbits With Terrifying Horn-Covered Faces Found in US: Experts Warn of Deadly Virus Behind Shocking Mutations

The growths are caused by a rare virus named Shope papilloma virus. The virus leads to wart-like skin protrusions on rabbits' heads and faces. The virus spreads between rabbits through insect bites. Several reports have stated that it is not contagious to humans, dogs or other wildlife.

Zombie bunnies, Demon rabbits, and Frankenstein rabbits are some of the names given to the bunnies on social media after videos and photos of these rabbits spotting bizarre horn-liked protrusions on their heads and faces have gone viral. This incident took place in Colorado, in Fort Collins, with locals having been shocked by their sightings, and videos are igniting curiosity and concern among the viewers.

Speaking to the media, scientists explained - "The growths are caused by a rare virus named Shope papilloma virus. The virus leads to wart-like skin protrusions on rabbits' heads and faces. The virus spreads between rabbits through insect bites. Several reports have stated that it is not contagious to humans, dogs or other wildlife."

Zombie Rabbits With Horn-Covered Faces Found in US: What's Causing It?

Are Zombie rabbits real? Yes, the cause has been identified by wildlife authorities, and they come to know that it's an illness that affects only rabbits, known as Shope Papilloma Virus.

No, this is the type of virus that is responsible for growth of wart-like tumors that get hard into keratin spikes. This condition was detected in 1930s and has been known for decades, and their appearance may also look unnatural.

Would It Affect Humans?

Biologists believe that growth will not affect humans, but it certainly will infect the rabbit who is infected. It will cause effects in their vision, eating habits, and grooming if the growth becomes really severe.

How Does This Virus Spread?

This virus usually spreads when an insect bites, such as mosquitoes and ticks. This kind of infection results in small lumps on the skin when it just starts to spread, but gradually it grows into spiky protrusions that were spotted in recent sightings.

So most of rabbits recover naturally, but some severe infection can also lead to malnutrition, and in cases, it can also lead to cancer.

Bunnies With Horn-Covered Faces Evade US' Colorado: How To Stay Safe?

People have been advised to maintain distance from these rabbits. Trying to feed, touch, or capture these rabbits has been strictly prohibited because interacting with them can cause unnecessary stress to the animals, and it can also spread the virus to other healthy rabbit populations. However, observing them from afar wouldn't do any harm, and if somebody finds this rabbit, they can contact the wildlife rehabilitation instead of any personal rescue, since personal rescues are not encouraged.

What Are Some Health And Safety Concerns?

Even though the Shope Papilloma virus wouldn't cause any harm to individuals. But suppose anyone tries to handle any wild animals. In that case, you are more exposed to parasites like fleas, ticks, other pathogens, and even close contact could spread the virus to these rabbits, specifically targeting the pets and domestic rabbits.

Experts have even warned to keep away from them and not treat them, as any close contact is not good for them.

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