Local residents who have taken photographs of these infected animals have described the sight as deeply unsettling. The poor creatures appear to have short, dark, tentacle-like protrusions sticking out of their skin, giving them an eerie, almost fictional appearance.
Despite the bizarre look, this isn’t a supernatural or science fiction event. It’s a real-world case of disease affecting wildlife.
After the latest sightings, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) issued a public warning about the situation.
CPW told Eyewitness News 3 that anyone who comes across an infected rabbit should avoid touching or approaching it. While the virus isn’t believed to spread between species, it is still best to stay well away from the animals for safety reasons.
The infection usually begins with small, red bumps on the skin. Over time, these bumps grow into large, warty masses that can be difficult for the animal to manage.
In severe cases, black, spike-like tendrils begin to grow around the mouth, cheeks, and eyes. While some of the growths remain benign, others can turn into deadly skin cancers if left untreated.
“I thought he’d die off during the winter, but he didn’t. He came back a second year – and it grew.”
Veterinarians say that pet rabbit owners should keep their animals protected from mosquitoes and ticks. If a domestic rabbit does become infected, surgery can often remove the tumours before they become cancerous.
And if that isn’t disturbing enough, there’s another chilling nature fact making headlines — the same parasitic fungus that inspired the TV series The Last of Us can sell for as much as $110,000 per kilogram.
The fungus appears in many variations depending on the host it infects. One variety, Cordyceps militaris — sometimes called ‘Scarlet Caterpillarclub’ — infects caterpillars and is even sold commercially, with claims of medicinal benefits.
While certain species of Cordyceps are used in traditional Chinese medicine and cooking, there is no proof that ophiocordyceps unilateralis is safe for people to eat. Experts warn: do not try to consume it yourself.
