While the image of 'Frankenstein' rabbits sprouting tentacles from their mouths might sound like a nightmarish boss battle from Capcom's upcoming Resident Evil: Requiem, they're a very present real-life threat that are causing concern in the United States.
Although there have been sightings in Colorado that go back to 2024, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has warned about a rise in reports of poor bunnies being infected by cottontail papilloma virus (CRPV).
As well as displaying black horns or spikes poking out of their heads, those who've come in contact with the virus will typically have growths around their eyes and the above-mentioned tentacles.
There's no known cure or treatment for CRPV, and with it being especially prevalent in the summer months due to being transmitted by insect bites, there are fears that it'll soon spread from its current localization around North Colorado.
Which US states are at risk of cottontail papilloma virus?
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Even though CRPV isn't thought to be able to jump species or pose a threat to humans, it could easily spread among the wild rabbit population.
More worringly, a study from the National Institutes of Health maintains that CRPV is worse in domesticated rabbits and states: "Tumours in domestic rabbits were more prone to cancers and a subset of these metastasized to the lung and other organs."
Humans are advised to avoid contact with infected wild rabbits and not to feed them, but if your pet rabbit comes into contact with an infected one, you should seek the advice of a vet.
Despite the current outbreak being thought to be in a relatively small area, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Kara Van Hoose claiming singular infected rabbits are possibly being reported multiple times, there's a real chance it could spread to other states.
Originally discovered by hunters in the Midwest in the 1930s, those in states like Iowa and Kansas reportedly spotted rabbits with 'horns' growing from their heads. Nowadays, the geographic distribution of CPRV spans westward from the Midwest and could reach as far as Washington State in the Pacific Northwest.
Moving into this corridor, it's not out of the question that states including Nebraska, Missouri, and South Dakota could face occasional outbreaks.
Nebraska and South Dakota have large populations of cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) that are most at risk, meaning they could become a 'virus reservoir'.
Ultimately, the origins of CRPV in Iowa and Kansas make them most likely to experience further outbreaks, while others mentioned above should remain vigilant.
Pet owners are told to monitor their rabbits for warts, and if they're concerned, seek professional advice.