Though the horned rabbits aren’t a danger to humans or pets, Van Hoose advises people to keep their distance from the creatures, as they should with any wild animal, because rabbits can pass along other pathogens. “Once you realize these [growths] probably aren’t harmful to rabbits, you can kind of appreciate the science at work,” she says.

The unusual appearance of the rabbits has drawn significant concern among locals and even social media users online.

Rumors spread online that rabbits infected with a virus that creates a tentacle-like growth on their faces were "invading" the U.S.