In recent years, reports from Colorado have surfaced about rabbits exhibiting unusual horn-like growths on their heads. These eerie appearances have led to widespread discussions and comparisons to the mythical jackalope — a creature of American folklore described as a rabbit with antelope horns. But is there a connection between these real-life sightings and the legendary jackalope? Let’s delve into the facts behind the so-called “Frankenstein rabbit disease” and its ties to the jackalope myth.
Understanding the “Frankenstein Rabbit Disease”
The condition causing these unusual growths in rabbits is known as cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV), also referred to as Shope papillomavirus. First identified in the 1930s by Dr. Richard E. Shope, this virus induces wart-like lesions that can become keratinous and resemble horns or tentacles on the rabbits’ faces and bodies. These growths are typically benign and do not pose a significant health threat to the rabbits unless they interfere with vital functions like eating or vision. The virus is primarily transmitted through insect bites, such as fleas and ticks, and is most commonly observed during the warmer months.
The Jackalope: A Mythical Creature
The jackalope is a legendary animal in North American folklore, often depicted as a jackrabbit with antelope horns. The term “jackalope” is a portmanteau of “jackrabbit” and “antelope.” While the jackalope is widely recognized in popular culture, it is not a real animal. The myth likely originated in the 1800s, with one of the earliest documented instances being a taxidermy mount created in the 1930s by Douglas Herrick and his brother in Wyoming. They mounted deer antlers onto a jackrabbit carcass and sold it to a local hotel, sparking the jackalope legend.
Connecting the Dots: From Real Rabbits to Folklore
The appearance of horn-like growths on rabbits due to CRPV may have contributed to the jackalope myth. Early settlers and hunters encountering these infected rabbits might have been startled by their unusual features, leading to stories of horned rabbits. Over time, these tales evolved into the jackalope legend. Additionally, the virus’s ability to cause horn-like growths on rabbits’ heads likely inspired the fantastical elements of the jackalope myth.
Real-Life Sightings and Public Perception
In August 2025, residents of Fort Collins, Colorado, reported sightings of rabbits with horn-like growths, leading to public concern and media attention. These rabbits, often dubbed “Frankenstein bunnies” or “zombie rabbits,” were found to be infected with CRPV. Colorado Parks and Wildlife assured the public that the virus poses no risk to humans or pets and that the infected rabbits typically recover without intervention.
Conclusion: Myth Rooted in Reality
While the jackalope remains a mythical creature, the condition causing horn-like growths in rabbits is very real. The “Frankenstein rabbit disease” is a viral infection that leads to wart-like lesions resembling horns. The historical occurrence of such growths in rabbits likely inspired the jackalope legend. Thus, the jackalope myth may have been born from real-life observations of infected rabbits, blending folklore with biological phenomena.
