Why are Colorado rabbits growing tentacles and horns?

Rabbits with tentacles in northern Colorado.

There’s not really a better way to sum up recent photos and headlines about cottontail rabbits spotted around Fort Collins with long, dangling growths on their faces.

But as concerning as they appear, the virus that causes the dark, wart-like growths is relatively common and usually not anything to worry about, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said Wednesday. • Rabbit papilloma virus is a mostly benign disease that can impact cottontail rabbits in Colorado bitten by infected fleas or ticks. The virus does not spread to humans or pets and most rabbits clear the virus on their own — but not before strange wart-like growths pop up on their faces, as shown in this undated photo. (Courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife) • A rabbit infecte