Wild rabbits in US have tentacles on their heads (7 photos)

A rare disease that causes black, horny growths to appear in wild rabbits in Colorado has been spotted. Authorities advise against approaching sick animals.





Mutant rabbits with black tentacles on their faces are scaring residents of the American city of Fort Collins.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department said that an incurable virus that infects rabbits causes the scaly growths. Experts say it is not dangerous for other animals or humans.



Rabbits are infected with the Cottontail Papilloma Virus (CRPV), also known as Shope's Papilloma Virus, which causes tumors to grow on or near the animal's head.







The first sign that something is wrong with your rabbit is red, raised spots on the skin that eventually develop into warty tumors. However, this is not fatal to the rabbits themselves.



Local wildlife officials say the best thing to do if you encounter one of these rabbits is to keep your distance and not disturb it.