Rabbits with ‘horns and tentacles’ appearing in Northern Colorado

Jackelopes are mythical creatures that are basically rabbits with horns, or a cross between a rabbit and an antelope. But, the keyword in that sentence is “mythical”…rabbits aren’t supposed to have horns, but in Colorado they are starting to grow them!

Residents in the Fort Collins-area have taken photos recently of wild rabbits that appear to have black horns and tentacles growing out of their heads.

A spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife says the horn-like growths are the result of a benign virus commonly referred to as SPV, which will sometimes affect rabbits in parts of the central U.S. during the summer months. Fleas and ticks spread the virus.

They say there’s no risk of the virus spreading to humans or other animals, though they recommend you avoid contact with horned rabbits.

The good news is, once the bunnies’ immune systems start fighting the virus, the horns disappear. So, the Easter Bunny likely won’t look like a cross with Dracula this coming April.