Infected ‘Frankenstein’ Rabbits Appear in Wisconsin

Usually, rabbits are the stuff of cuddles, cute, and a perfect dream. However, after seeing the recent photos of them from Colorado and now Wisconsin, they seem more like the lead in your scariest nightmares. We're not talking in a Monty Python sort of way, but rather in a "we're growing horns and we shouldn't" kind of way. Yeah, there's nothing cuddly about a rabbit with "tentacles" or "horns."

The unsettling appearance is caused by Shope papillomavirus, a disease that produces wart-like, keratinized growths on rabbits’ heads and faces. These growths can resemble horns or antlers, sparking comparisons to mythical jackalopes or horror-movie creatures (i.e. Rabbit-Cthulhu). While the change in appearance is shocking, the condition itself is not new. Wildlife experts have documented cases for decades, though recent photos spreading online have brought them back into the spotlight.

The virus spreads through skin contact and, more commonly, by biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Once infected, rabbits develop growths that may eventually shrink and disappear as the animal’s immune system fights back. For most, the disease is temporary and not life-threatening, though in some cases the growths can make it difficult for rabbits to eat or see.

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Importantly, this virus cannot infect humans or household pets. However, domestic rabbits are susceptible to Shope papillomavirus, so keeping pets away from infected wildlife is recommended.

This year, Wisconsin has seen a rise in sightings, with reports concentrated in the northwestern part of the state. Some speculate that the warmer seasons and more insect activity play a role in the current prevalence of the virus. So far, the Wisconsin DNR has received eight reports of 23 rabbits in St. Croix, Dunn, Pierce, and Polk counties showing these horn-like growths.

If you come across a rabbit showing unusual growths, avoid direct contact. Even though Shope papillomavirus itself is not a threat to people, handling sick wildlife can expose you to other diseases. Instead, make a report to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources through their website or by calling 608-267-0866.

The so-called “tentacle” rabbits may look like something out of a nightmare, but the reality is less terrifying: they’re simply another reminder of how viruses work in nature. Sometimes it works in ways that look far stranger than fiction.