Black tentacle-like protrusions are growing on bunnies \u2014 and no, it\u2019s not a sign of symbiosis like we see in Marvel\u2019s \u201cVenom.\u201d <\/p>\n
In Fort Collins, Colo., bunnies have been seen with what witnesses describe as \u201ctentacles,\u201d \u201cquills,\u201d \u201chorns,\u201d and \u201ctoothpicks\u201d growing around their face. <\/p>\n
In an interview with 9NEWS<\/a>, resident Susan Mansfield suspected that the bunny she saw with the protrusions \u201cwould die off during the winter, but he didn\u2019t. He came back a second year, and it grew.\u201d<\/p>\n These growths are a result of a bunny-only virus called shope papillomavirus, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. While uncommon, it does pop up every now and then. <\/p>\n The virus doesn\u2019t have a cure but is benign \u2014 despite its zombie-like appearance \u2014 so long as it doesn\u2019t manifest \u201con sensitive areas like their eyes or mouths,\u201d 9NEWS reported.<\/a> <\/p>\n As it only effects bunnies, the public doesn\u2019t have to worry about other wildlife, pets, or themselves contracting the virus. It usually spreads \u201cprimarily by biting insects like fleas and ticks during warmer months,\u201d Independent said.<\/a> <\/p>\n The virus itself is related to the human papillomavirus. <\/p>\n Still, it\u2019s better not to touch bunnies who contracted the virus \u2014 just as it is a rule of thumb not to touch wild bunnies anyway. <\/p>\n On Instagram<\/a>, commenters posted their bewilderment. <\/p>\n Some uploaded gifs of the zombies from \u201cThe Last of Us\u201d and of Venom, while another commented: \u201cOne time I need this to be AI.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve reached the upside down!\u201d a user lamented, referencing the dark world parallel to our own in Netflix\u2019s \u201cStranger Things.\u201d <\/p>\n If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement<\/a> and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and\/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n