Earlier this week, the internet collectively gasped and recoiled as photos went viral of rabbits in Fort Collins with features on their heads that resemble horns or tentacles. Join In The NoCo host Erin O'Toole in a q&a with Kara Van Hoose,

Wild rabbits in Fort Collins with tentacle-like growths are infected by a virus called Shope papilloma virus, often mistaken for the mythical jackalope.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the growths are caused by a virus and though unsightly pose little health risk to wild rabbits and no risk to humans.

Wildlife officials in Colorado have confirmed a troubling rise in cases of shope papillomavirus, a rare disease causing wild rabbits to grow tentacle-like growths from their heads and mouths. While the condition is not new to science,

As per experts the condition is caused by Shope papilloma virus, a disease that creates wart-like tumors on rabbits, often around the head, ears, and eyelids.

A rapidly spreading virus is causing cottontail rabbits to grow black, tentacle-like growths out of their heads, prompting warnings to steer clear of the mutated animals.