Wildlife experts are raising urgent alarms over a disturbing outbreak of mutated “Frankenstein” rabbits now confirmed in multiple U.S. states — animals described as having grotesque, tentacle-like growths sprouting from their faces and bodies. The phenomenon, once considered a rare oddity, is now becoming more widespread, with field researchers warning that the infected rabbits are not just suffering themselves but may also be carrying and spreading a dangerous virus that can devastate ecosystems.
The unsettling reports began in rural parts of Wyoming and Montana earlier this year, where hunters and hikers started encountering snowshoe hares and cottontail rabbits with hardened, black growths resembling twisted tentacles. Videos posted to social media, including one widely shared clip, show the animals struggling to eat and move, their vision sometimes blocked entirely by the deformities. Biologists quickly identified the culprit: a viral infection known as Shope papilloma virus, which has plagued rabbit populations for decades but appears to be mutating in alarming ways.
Dr. Angela Moritz, a senior virologist with the National Wildlife Health Center, told science journalists that the current outbreak is “unlike anything we’ve seen in scope or severity.” She explained that while the virus has historically caused small horn-like tumors, the new strain produces rapid, sprawling growths that resemble fleshy tentacles — sometimes reaching several inches in length. “These animals are essentially being consumed by the disease,” she said. “It’s gruesome, and it raises questions about what’s driving such an aggressive mutation.”
WARNING: Multiple US states report infected ‘Frankenstein’ rabbits with bizarre tentacle-like growths. Wildlife experts fear a spreading ecological crisis. 🐇⚠️— Animal Alert Network (@AnimalAlertNet) August 13, 2025
While Shope papilloma virus is not known to infect humans, it can cause catastrophic damage to rabbit populations, disrupting local food chains and potentially triggering cascading effects across ecosystems. Predators such as foxes, coyotes, and birds of prey rely heavily on rabbits as a food source, and sharp declines in rabbit numbers could force them to hunt alternative prey — often domestic livestock or pets — leading to increased human-wildlife conflict. Wildlife biologist Ken Daly told environmental reporters that “the rabbits are like the keystone bricks in certain ecosystems; if they crumble, the whole structure shakes.”
In the latest field survey conducted by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, more than 40% of rabbits in certain observation zones showed visible signs of infection. Researchers working alongside federal wildlife health teams have documented cases in at least seven states, with unconfirmed sightings reported as far south as Texas. Experts believe the spread is being accelerated by climate change, which is altering migration patterns and increasing contact between infected and healthy populations.
Adding to the urgency, some wildlife rehabilitators have reported that infected rabbits often die slow, painful deaths from starvation or secondary infections. In one case described to wildlife publications, a rehabilitator found a young jackrabbit whose facial growths were so extensive that it could no longer open its mouth fully to eat. “We had no choice but to euthanize it,” the rehabilitator said. “It had been suffering for weeks, maybe months.”
Montana biologists say the mutated strain of Shope papilloma virus is spreading faster than previous outbreaks, possibly due to warmer winters and longer breeding seasons. 🌡️— EcoWatch Alerts (@EcoWatchAlerts) August 13, 2025
Online reaction to the “Frankenstein” rabbit phenomenon has been a mix of horror, fascination, and misinformation. Some viral posts on TikTok and Instagram have falsely claimed that the growths are caused by a secret government experiment gone wrong, while others have circulated edited images that exaggerate the deformities. Scientists are urging the public to rely on credible sources such as public health advisories and official wildlife agency updates rather than social media speculation.
Beyond ecological concerns, veterinarians warn that domestic rabbits could also be at risk if the virus spreads into pet populations. The American Veterinary Medical Association released a statement advising pet owners to avoid contact between their rabbits and wild ones, and to monitor for symptoms such as facial swelling, scabbing, or unusual lumps. Although the Shope papilloma virus is not transmissible to humans, it can be spread between rabbits through close contact, grooming, or shared food and water sources.
Federal wildlife managers are now exploring containment measures, including targeted culling in high-density infection zones and experimental vaccination programs. However, these efforts face logistical and ethical challenges, as culling can be controversial and developing vaccines for wild populations is both costly and complex. Dr. Moritz told international environment correspondents that “we’re fighting against biology and time — every breeding season, the virus has another chance to spread and evolve.”
Wildlife rehab centers are overwhelmed with cases of infected rabbits. Some are calling this the worst outbreak in US history for the species. 🐇💔— Nature Crisis Watch (@NatureCrisis) August 13, 2025
One of the most disturbing aspects of the current outbreak is the resilience of the virus in environmental conditions. Studies by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences have shown that Shope papilloma virus particles can remain viable in carcasses for weeks, creating a prolonged risk of transmission to scavenging animals. This durability, combined with the mobility of rabbit populations, makes eradication virtually impossible once the virus becomes established in an area.
Local communities are already feeling the impact. In parts of Wyoming, ranchers have reported a noticeable drop in coyote sightings, which some attribute to declining rabbit numbers. In turn, these predators may be venturing closer to human settlements in search of food, increasing the potential for encounters. Meanwhile, residents in rural Montana have described seeing multiple infected rabbits in a single day, often wandering into backyards or collapsing on roadsides.
Wildlife photographer Elena Torres, who recently documented the outbreak for a scientific feature, described the experience as “heartbreaking and deeply unsettling.” She recounted one encounter where a rabbit, its face almost entirely obscured by black, root-like growths, stood motionless for several minutes before hopping unsteadily into the brush. “It was like something out of a horror movie,” she said. “But it’s real, and it’s happening right now.”
Officials are urging people not to attempt to rescue or handle wild rabbits that appear infected, as doing so could inadvertently spread the virus to other animals or environments. Instead, sightings should be reported to local wildlife authorities, who can document cases and decide on the appropriate response. In some states, such as Colorado, agencies have set up online portals for residents to submit photos and locations of infected animals, helping researchers track the spread in real time.
As the crisis grows, scientists are emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring and increased public awareness. “We need to treat this not as a curiosity, but as a serious ecological threat,” Dr. Moritz told climate and environment reporters. “It’s a stark reminder that diseases can evolve quickly, and that wildlife health is inseparable from environmental health.”
For now, the “Frankenstein” rabbits remain both a tragic spectacle and a warning sign. They reveal the vulnerabilities of wildlife in a changing climate, the dangers of viral evolution, and the interconnectedness of species in fragile ecosystems. Whether the outbreak can be contained — or whether it’s the beginning of a longer, more devastating cycle — is something experts are racing to determine as the strange, tentacled silhouettes of infected rabbits continue to haunt the American landscape.
