Zombie Rabbits of Fort Collins
The Weird Truth Behind the Viral Wildlife Story
Across Northern Colorado, residents have spotted rabbits with horn-like growths, leading to viral posts and startled headlines. Don’t worry, these aren’t undead critters from a horror film. They’re actually infected with something called Shope papillomavirus, a rare disease that causes keratinized growths on rabbits’ heads and faces. Think of it as nature’s strange sense of humor rather than the start of a bunny apocalypse.
The Science Behind the Spook
The Shope papillomavirus isn’t new. It’s been documented since the 1930s, but it tends to make headlines every few years when photos resurface. The virus doesn’t affect humans or pets, it’s species-specific, but it does make rabbits look straight out of a Halloween display.
Local wildlife experts explain that while the condition looks dramatic, it’s part of the natural cycle. Infected rabbits can still move, eat, and behave relatively normally (until the growths interfere with feeding). Predators like foxes, hawks, and owls usually remove the sick individuals, helping keep populations healthy.
So, while eerie-looking, “zombie rabbits” are more biological oddity than cause for alarm.
Nature Thrives in the Foothills
Fort Collins sits at the edge of urban life and wild Colorado and that’s part of its magic. Deer crossing neighborhood trails, coyotes calling at dusk, and yes, rabbits with stories to tell. They all remind us that the wild is closer than we think.
The recent fascination with these rabbits highlights something deeper: our city’s connection with nature. The Poudre River Trail, Spring Canyon Park, and Cathy Fromme Prairie are all places where residents regularly share space with wildlife. The key is observation with respect. Enjoy the wonder, but don’t intervene unless the animal is clearly in distress!
Turning Fear Into Fascination
Local photographers have turned this phenomenon into a reminder that Fort Collins’ outdoors are full of surprises. A few have even captured stunning shots of these rabbits (from a safe distance), sparking conversations about ecology, resilience, and curiosity.
Weird, Wild, and Wonderfully
Fort Collins
Whether it’s “zombie rabbits,” parades for corgis, or silent dance parties in Old Town Square, Fort Collins has a way of keeping life interesting. These quirks give our city its charm and remind us that even in science, there’s a bit of magic. Happy Halloween everyone!
Written by Nathan Weinland, leader of the Weinland Team at RE/MAX Alliance
Phone: (970) 690-4088
Email: Sales@TheWeinlandTeam.com
Written by fortcollinsexperience
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