Zombie Rabbit in Colorado: Are Jackalopes More Than a Myth?

Health and Safety Considerations

No Risk to Humans or Pets

Colorado Parks and Wildlife emphasizes that the Shope papillomavirus poses no known threat to humans, dogs, cats, or other wildlife species. The virus is species-specific, meaning it can only infect rabbits and hares.

Wildlife officials still recommend:

• Maintain distance: Do not approach or touch infected rabbits

• Keep pets away: Prevent dogs and cats from interacting with infected animals

• Follow standard wildlife safety: Never handle wild animals regardless of their health status

Impact on Rabbit Health

While the growths appear alarming, the virus is often benign and many rabbits recover naturally. However, complications can arise when:

• Growths develop near the eyes, impairing vision

• Tumors around the mouth interfere with eating or drinking

• Infected rabbits become more vulnerable to predators due to reduced mobility

Research indicates that approximately 35% of infected rabbits naturally clear the virus within six months, with growths disappearing completely.

Connection to American Folklore: The Jackalope Legend

The Shope papillomavirus may have contributed to one of America’s most enduring folklore creatures: the jackalope. This mythical animal, described as a jackrabbit with antelope horns, has been a staple of North American tall tales for centuries.

Researchers and folklorists suggest that historical sightings of rabbits infected with Shope papillomavirus could have inspired stories of horned rabbits. The virus-induced growths can indeed resemble small antlers or horns, particularly in the early stages of development.

Scientific treatises dating back to 1655, including the Tableau encyclopédique et méthodique, contain stories and illustrations of horned rabbits, indicating that this phenomenon has been documented for centuries across different cultures.

Current Situation in Fort Collins

Resident Experiences

Local Fort Collins resident Susan Mansfield has been observing the same infected rabbit in her yard for over two years. She describes the growths as looking like “black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around his or her mouth”.

“I thought he would die off during the winter, but he didn’t. He came back a second year, and it grew,” Mansfield told 9News Northern Colorado.

Official Response

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has been fielding numerous calls from concerned residents since the photos went viral. Spokesperson Kara Van Hoose notes that while the images are startling, such infections are not uncommon in the region.

“We go through this every year,” Van Hoose explained, adding that factors like warm weather and increased mosquito populations can influence how prevalent the virus becomes each season.

What to Do If You See an Infected Rabbit

If you encounter a rabbit with unusual growths:

1. Do not approach or touch the animal

2. Keep pets at a safe distance

3. Take photos from far away if desired for documentation

4. Report sightings to Colorado Parks and Wildlife

5. Do not attempt to help or capture the rabbit

For reporting wildlife sightings in Colorado, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at their Fort Collins office: 317 W. Prospect, Fort Collins, CO 80526, Phone: 970-472-4300.

Treatment and Management

Wild Rabbit Treatment

Treatment of wild rabbits is generally not recommended or practical. Colorado Parks and Wildlife notes that capturing wild rabbits is extremely difficult due to their speed and wariness. Additionally, many infected rabbits recover naturally without intervention.

Officials only express concern when growths:

• Obstruct the rabbit’s vision

• Interfere with the ability to eat or drink

• Become so large as to significantly impair the animal’s mobility

Domestic Rabbit Care

For pet rabbits that contract the virus, veterinary treatment may include:

• Surgical removal of tumors before they become malignant

• Regular monitoring for recurrence

• Prevention of scratching to avoid secondary infections

Domestic rabbits typically experience more severe symptoms than wild rabbits, with the majority developing invasive cancers that can be fatal if untreated.