Shope papillomavirus, a common and naturally occurring virus in wild rabbits that causes wart-like growths which can resemble horns or even tentacles.Though the appearance of these animals is startling,

HORRIFYING images of ‘zombie’ rabbits with tentacles sprouting out of their heads have been circulating online – so is your pet bunny safe? The traumatising snaps have led to

Unusual-looking rabbits have recently been spotted in Washington, sporting wart-like growths that can resemble horns.

Wild rabbits in South Dakota and Colorado have developed horn-like growths and mouth tentacles. These bunnies, now being called ‘Frankenstein’s rabbits’ online, are infected with a virus called Shope papillomavirus (SPV),

Rabbit owners have been told to look after their pets after a number of 'Frankenstein' bunnies have been spotted in Fort Collins, Colorado. The terrifying-looking rabbits - comparable with the iconic Halloween character - have been hopping around in residents' gardens with tentacle-like growths on their faces.

Wildlife officials in Colorado are monitoring an unusual increase in cases of Shope papillomavirus, a disease affecting wild and domestic rabbits, following a higher number of sightings this summer.

As per experts the condition is caused by Shope papilloma virus, a disease that creates wart-like tumors on rabbits, often around the head, ears, and eyelids.