7 Shocking Facts About ‘Frankenstein Rabbits With Tentacles’: The Real-Life Monster Behind The Myth

The phrase "Frankenstein rabbits with tentacles" is not a creature from a horror movie or a piece of morbid digital art; it is a viral nickname for a genuinely disturbing natural phenomenon that has recently resurfaced in the news as of December 2025. This grotesque description refers to wild rabbits, particularly in areas like Colorado, that are afflicted by a severe viral infection causing bizarre, dark, horn-like, or tentacle-like growths to sprout from their heads and faces.

This condition, which seems straight out of a biological nightmare, has captured public attention due to its terrifying appearance and its direct link to an ancient American myth. Far from being a fictional chimera, these rabbits are suffering from a documented disease that transforms the appearance of a harmless bunny into a creature worthy of the 'Frankenstein' moniker.

The Real-Life Biology: Shope Papilloma Virus (SPV)

The scientific explanation behind the 'Frankenstein rabbits' is the Shope Papilloma Virus (SPV), also known as the Cottontail Rabbit Papilloma Virus (CRPV). This is the actual pathogen responsible for the horrifying growths that social media has dubbed "tentacles."

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• The Virus: SPV is a type of papillomavirus, a family of viruses that includes the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
• The Host: It primarily infects wild cottontail rabbits, though it can sometimes be found in domestic breeds.
• The Symptoms: The virus causes the formation of large, black, keratinous tumors, or papillomas, typically on the rabbit's head, neck, and muzzle. These masses are what resemble "horns," "spikes," or "tentacles."
• The Discoverer: The virus was first documented and studied in the 1930s by virologist Dr. Richard Shope, who was a pioneer in the study of tumor-causing viruses.

How the 'Tentacle' Growths Actually Form

The growths are not soft, fleshy tentacles in the way one might imagine, but rather hard, dark, and antler-like protrusions. They are masses of keratin, the same protein that makes up a rabbit's claws, hair, and a human's fingernails.

The tumors start as small, raised, rough lesions that rapidly grow into large, sometimes grotesque, horn-like protrusions. In severe cases, these keratinous masses can become so large and numerous that they obscure the rabbit's face, giving the chilling appearance of a creature with multiple facial tentacles.

7 Shocking Facts About the Infected 'Frankenstein' Rabbits

The story of these viral-infected animals is a blend of folklore, modern science, and a tragic reality for the creatures themselves. The recent sightings across the US, including in states like Colorado, have brought the phenomenon back into the spotlight.

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1. The Virus Inspired the Myth of the Jackalope

The most fascinating historical connection is the direct link between CRPV/SPV and the legendary American cryptid, the Jackalope. The Jackalope is a mythical rabbit with antelope or deer horns.

It is widely believed that sightings of wild rabbits with these bizarre, horn-like tumors were the original inspiration for the Jackalope folklore that spread across the Western United States.

2. The Growths Can Be Fatal to the Rabbits

While the tumors themselves are generally benign, they can lead to a slow and painful death for the infected rabbit. The sheer size and location of the growths are the problem.

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Large tumors can obstruct the rabbit's mouth, making it impossible to eat or drink, leading to starvation and dehydration. They can also block the animal's vision, making it an easy target for predators.

3. The Condition is Highly Contagious Among Rabbits

The Shope Papilloma Virus is contagious and can be transmitted between rabbits through direct contact. However, the primary mode of transmission is often through blood-sucking insects like mosquitoes and ticks.

This vector-borne transmission means that outbreaks can spread across a region, which is why wildlife officials in areas like Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) monitor sightings closely.

4. The Virus Is Important for Cancer Research

Despite the macabre appearance of the infected rabbits, the Shope Papilloma Virus has played a critical role in medical science. Dr. Richard Shope's work with the virus was instrumental in establishing the link between viruses and cancer.

This research paved the way for understanding human papillomaviruses (HPV) and the development of the HPV vaccine, a major breakthrough in preventing cervical cancer.

5. The Nickname 'Frankenstein' Comes from the Appearance

The popular nickname 'Frankenstein rabbits' is a direct reference to Mary Shelley’s classic tale. The tumors create a monstrous, stitched-together, and grotesque appearance that evokes the image of a creature unnaturally assembled.

Other colorful nicknames that have circulated on social media include "zombie rabbits," "demon rabbits," and "horned bunnies."

6. They Are Not a Threat to Humans or Pets

Wildlife experts and veterinarians stress that the virus is species-specific, meaning it poses virtually no threat to humans or domestic pets like dogs and cats. The virus is adapted to infect rabbits, and cross-species transmission is extremely rare.

However, the general warning from wildlife officials is to never handle or approach a sick or wild animal, especially one exhibiting such unusual symptoms.

7. The Growths Can Sometimes Regress and Disappear

In some cases, the rabbit’s immune system can successfully fight off the infection. If the rabbit is strong enough, the tumors can regress and eventually disappear, allowing the animal to recover fully.

Unfortunately, for many, the tumors grow too large too quickly, leading to the fatal outcome of starvation before the immune system can clear the virus.

The Tragic Reality of Chimeric Wildlife

The 'Frankenstein rabbits with tentacles' serve as a stark, real-world example of how biological processes can mimic the monstrous creations of fiction. The initial curiosity driven by the viral photos quickly gives way to the tragic reality of a small animal suffering from a disfiguring and often fatal disease.

This phenomenon reminds us that the world of nature is filled with its own forms of chimeras—creatures that appear to be unnaturally hybrid—often due to disease, genetic mutation, or environmental factors. While the term 'tentacle' is an exaggeration of the keratinous masses, the image is powerful enough to drive awareness of the Shope Papilloma Virus and its devastating effects on wild cottontail rabbit populations.