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Animals found in different regions exhibit bumps caused by an infection known since 1933, which poses no risk to humans.
An unusual scene once again surprised residents of the United States in August 2025.
Wild rabbits were found with dark bumps on their faces, heads, and other parts of their bodies.
The formations resemble horns, branches, and small tentacles, creating an appearance that seems to have come out of a fiction movie.
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Photographs of the animals quickly circulated on social media, sparking curiosity, concern, and numerous comparisons.
Some users began calling them “Frankenstein rabbits”. The explanation, however, is far from any supernatural experience.
Shope papilloma virus explains the bumps
The Shope papilloma virus is responsible for the changes observed in the animals.
Also known as rabbit papillomavirus, the agent causes warts and skin tumors, mainly on the face and head.
Small dark nodules appear during the early stages of the infection.
These structures can later grow and take on elongated, hardened, and pointed shapes.
The size and position of the warts make some look like horns or tentacles.
No mysterious genetic transformation is involved. The growths are visible manifestations of an infection already known to science.
Sightings gained attention in the United States
The cases drew attention after residents of Fort Collins, Colorado, posted images of the rabbits.
Similar reports were also shared by residents of Minnesota and New York.
Residents turned to Reddit to ask if others were encountering animals with the same characteristics.
Facebook users also reported some sightings to the authorities responsible for wildlife.
The unusual appearance caused astonishment, although the virus has circulated among wild rabbits for many decades.
Science has studied the infection since 1933
The American researcher Richard E. Shope scientifically described the infection in 1933.
Wild rabbits at that time had hardened structures that resembled small horns.
Researchers later identified that a virus caused those changes in the animals’ skin.
Shope’s papillomavirus became important for studies on the link between viral infections and certain types of cancer.
The recent records, therefore, do not represent the emergence of a new disease.
Mosquitoes and ticks help spread the virus
Transmission occurs mainly through mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting parasites.
These vectors initially come into contact with an infected rabbit.
The virus can be transported when the insect bites another animal.
Cases become more visible during the summer and fall in the northern hemisphere.
The number of mosquitoes and other vectors increases during the warmer months.
Sightings, therefore, become more frequent at certain times of the year.
Most rabbits can recover
Warts generally do not cause serious complications, despite their concerning appearance.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, many rabbits survive and naturally shed the growths.
The growths require more attention when they prevent the animal from eating or drinking normally.
Some lesions can also develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a serious type of skin cancer.
The culling of animals is not recommended solely due to the presence of warts.
Intervention is usually considered only when essential functions are severely compromised.
Infection poses no risk to humans
Shope’s papillomavirus does not represent a known threat to humans.
People will not develop warts or “tentacles” after encountering an infected rabbit.
Authorities recommend keeping a distance and avoiding any attempt to capture or contact.
Residents can report concerning situations to local wildlife protection agencies.
Would you keep your distance upon encountering a rabbit with these growths or immediately seek out the authorities? Share your opinion!
