FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Rabbits infected with a virus that causes horn and tentacle-looking growths on their faces are being reported in Colorado .

It's called shope papillomavirus (SPV), and while it may look frightening, the growths are usually benign, said Kara Van Hoose, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

"This is a virus that's not uncommon in Colorado," Van Hoose said.

The virus is passed by biting insects, like ticks, fleas and mosquitoes, and this specific strain only affects rabbits.

WHY ARE FROGS BEING RELEASED AT A NATIONAL PARK SITE IN CALIFORNIA?

Dark-colored tumors that resemble tentacles or horns grow on a rabbit's face when it is infected with the virus.

"They're really more like warts," Van Hoose said.

Van Hoose said the virus is typically only harmful to

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