Wild rabbits in Fort Collins with tentacle-like growths are infected by a virus called Shope papilloma virus, often mistaken for the mythical jackalope.

Earlier this week, the internet collectively gasped and recoiled as photos went viral of rabbits in Fort Collins with features on their heads that resemble horns or tentacles. Join In The NoCo host Erin O'Toole in a Q&A with Kara Van Hoose,

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the growths are caused by a virus and though unsightly pose little health risk to wild rabbits and no risk to humans.

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,

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.

A rapidly spreading virus is causing cottontail rabbits to grow black, tentacle-like growths out of their heads, prompting warnings to steer clear of the mutated animals.