A cottontail rabbit is shown infected with the rabbit papillomas virus as indicated by the black nodules on its head in this undated photo.

Rabbits with growths that resemble horns or tentacles have been spotted around Colorado, but wildlife officials say humans and their furry friends have little cause for concern.

The animals' grotesque appearance has drawn comparisons to zombies and Frankenstein's monster. But the growths are caused by a virus specific to bunnies called cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Kara Van Hoose previously told USA TODAY.

Still, Van Hoose has warned that, "As with any wildlife, pets should not interact or come in contact with the rabbits."

Is the virus dangerous to pets? Here's what to know about rabbit papillomavirus:

What is rabbit papillomavirus?

Cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, also called Shope papilloma virus, is a disease that can be transmitted to rabbits by biting insects, according to the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine. The disease is often found in cottontail rabbits in the Midwest with outbreaks in domestic rabbits.

The virus causes growths on the skin, known as rabbit papillomas, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said. The black nodules, usually on the head, can sometimes grow and take on "a horn‐like appearance."

Is rabbit papillomavirus dangerous?

The growths have no significant impact on rabbits unless they interfere with their ability to eat or drink, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Most infected animals can survive the viral infection and the growths will disappear.

But if the lesions don't get better, the animals can develop squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine said.

Can pets catch rabbit papillomavirus?

Papillomaviruses can infect a wide range of species including fish, reptiles, birds and humans, but the vast majority are specific to certain species, according to a 2024 article in the National Library of Medicine.

The cottontail rabbit papillomavirus is specific to rabbits and cannot infect other species, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. But the virus can be transmitted to domestic rabbits, especially those housed outdoors where they may come into contact with wild rabbits or biting insects.

"In domestic rabbits, the disease is more severe than in wild rabbits and should be treated by a veterinarian," the agency said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A disease is causing rabbits to look like zombies. Is it contagious?

Reporting by N'dea Yancey-Bragg and Melina Khan, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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