Eastern Cottontail rabbit, infected with the papilloma virus (CRPV), or Shope papilloma virus Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Residents of Fort Collins, Colorado, have been startled by an unusual sight: rabbits with black, tentacle-like growths sprouting from their heads and faces. These disturbing protrusions have earned the infected animals the nickname "zombie rabbits," and has some wondering if they represent a risk to humans.

What is Causing the Bizarre Growths?

Fortunately, a zombie apocalypse has not fallen on the rabbit population in Colorado. Instead, the rabbits are infected with Shope papillomavirus, which is also known as cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CPRV). This virus was first discovered in the 1930s by researcher Richard Shope, who observed growths - often

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