What if I told you that cute, cuddly rabbits are turning into bizarre creatures that could star in a horror movie? Residents of Fort Collins, Colorado, are in for a shock as they spot rabbits displaying unsettling growths that resemble tentacles or horns sprouting from their heads. This isn't just a Halloween prank; it's a bizarre phenomenon that's capturing the attention and concern of locals.

Captured by 9NEWS Northern Colorado reporter Amanda Gilbert, one particularly unsettling image shows a rabbit with these grotesque growths described by resident Susan Mansfield as looking like “black quills or black toothpicks sticking out all around his or her mouth.” Imagine seeing that fuzzy little friend morph into something straight out of a nightmare!

Even more chilling, Mansfield noted, “I thought he would die off during the winter, but he didn’t. He came back a second year, and it grew.” What a shocking twist for a creature that’s usually associated with softness and springtime!

These peculiar growths are a result of the shope papillomavirus, a virus that only affects rabbits. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have confirmed that these wart-like tumors often appear around the face and head, but fear not—this virus is not something that can be passed to humans, pets, or other wildlife.

Interestingly, the virus is typically spread among rabbits by biting insects like fleas and ticks during warmer months. Officials stress that while the appearance of these rabbits might be alarming, the growths usually don’t harm the rabbits unless they interfere with their eyes or mouth. Most wild rabbits can bounce back as the growths often disappear on their own.

Despite the horror-show aesthetics, the internet is buzzing, with social media users dubbing these rabbits “zombie bunnies,” “alien creatures,” and “Frankenstein rabbits.” Some even speculate that these eerie growths could have inspired the North American jackalope legend, a fascinating blend of folklore and reality.

As much as we might want to intervene, officials recommend that residents avoid approaching or touching these affected rabbits. It’s a strange but important reminder that even in the animal kingdom, some things are best left untouched.

Social media comments have varied from sympathy to humor, with one user noting, “Wow, I kinda feel bad for them,” reflecting a sense of empathy for these unfortunate creatures, while another quipped, “One time I need this to be AI,” pointing out the surreal nature of the situation. One playful observer even joked, “The rabbit escaped from ‘Monty Python and The Holy Grail,’” making light of this bizarre twist in nature.