informed the Coloradoan that the “rabbit papillomas” typically do not present any major threat to wild rabbits; however, they can sometimes impact their eyes or mouths, hindering their ability to see, eat, and drink. Colorado Parks and Wildlife states that the majority of rabbits can recover from the infection, yet if it affects their capacity to consume food and water, euthanasia is frequently the most compassionate option.
Given that we have observed some quite alarming infections proliferate in the animal world — such as the zombie fungus that can commandeer an insect’s brain and consume them from within — it’s understandable that individuals have been alarmed by the emergence of horn-like protrusions on wild rabbits. Fortunately, the cause of these unusual papillomas is somewhat more ordinary, and there is no way for it to be transmitted to humans.
