Tentacled rabbits return: wildlife health warning as virus resurfaces
Rabbits in the U.S. are reappearing with head- and body-growing tumours caused by Shope papilloma virus, earning them the nickname 'Frankenstein rabbits.' The growths are usually harmless unless they block eating or drinking and can rarely progress to squamous cell carcinoma. The virus is spread by insects such as mosquitoes and ticks—not directly between rabbits—peaking in summer and fall. Humans aren’t at risk, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises against euthanising infected wild rabbits unless their ability to eat is compromised.