Rabbit specimen with Shope papilloma virus.
Share this @internewscast.com

THE viral “Frankenstein bunnies” are eerily similar to an American West phenomenon.

Horned rabbits have recently become an internet sensation, with many likening them to creatures from popular Western legends.

Rabbit specimen with Shope papilloma virus.
The virus has taken the internet by storm in recent weeks after a Colorado town has seen an influx in casesCredit: AP
Vintage photo of a jackalope in a desert.
The mythical creature began in a Wyoming town in the 1930sCredit: Getty

Residents of Fort Collins, Colorado have been told to stay away from the bunnies, which suffer from Shope Papilloma Virus.

The illness causes wart-like tumors on the little animals, and is spread by biting insects.

But some have pointed out that the sick animals look a lot like jackalopes – a rabbit with horns that has become an urban legend.

The Frankenstein-esque creature is simply a jackrabbit body adorned with antelope antlers.

History of the Jackalope

The combination was started by taxidermists in Douglas, Wyoming, during the 1930s.

Douglas Herrick, alongside his brother, Ralph, came back from hunting one day and threw a jackrabbit body on the ground next to deer horns.

The brothers put the two things together and there, a jackalope was born.

Similar to myths such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Jersey Devil, there’s ongoing debate about whether these animals are genuinely found in nature.

Stories of these creatures vary widely, describing them as “killer” rabbits or attributing them the ability to imitate human voices, allegedly including singing alongside cowboys by the fireside.

They also have a “fondness for whiskey,” according to the Douglas, Wyoming, website.

The town, where the infamous animal originated, has since taken the jackalope and turned it into a cultural phenomenon.

How ‘world’s cutest animal’ Moo Deng captured hearts as viral pygmy hippo celebrates first birthday with incredible gift

Douglas is adorned with symbols of these creatures: there are statues at the visitor center, a “thirteen-foot cutout” on a hillside at the city’s edge, and the creature is even on the town’s emblem.

The town’s website describes these antlered animals as resembling jackrabbits but astonishingly able to run at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour.

“Their rarity is ensured by the fact that they only breed during lightning flashes.”

What Is Shope Papilloma Virus?

  • A viral disease causing wart-like tumors on rabbits, mainly on their heads, ears, and eyelids.
  • Spread by biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks.
  • Tumors can be benign or turn malignant (cancerous).
  • Commonly affects wild and pet rabbits, especially during summer and fall.
  • Treatment usually involves surgical removal of growths.
  • Prevention focuses on protecting rabbits from insect bites

Visitors can buy a hunting license for the mythical beings, and street signs tell drivers to watch out for wild jackalope roaming the roads.

Surprisingly, you can even buy “jackalope milk.”

The site also claims their milk, naturally homogenized by their strong jumps, possesses remarkable aphrodisiac qualities and a variety of healing properties.

“However, the females can only be milked when lulled into sleeping belly up, generally as a result of a whiskey induced stupor.”

Douglas, Wyoming, has mentioned the bunny sickness that has taken the internet by storm in recent weeks may be confused with the creature’s origin, but says those who believe it’s the virus have an “inferior imagination.”

“While the traveler is unlikely to have the opportunity to have an actual sighting of the rare and ferocious jackalope, they will witness its strong impact on the community,” it wrote.

“We embrace the wild and independent nature of the jackalope, and welcome visitors to share in the fun.”

Rabbit with Shope papilloma virus.
Douglas, Wyoming, now uses the jackalope as their town logoCredit: AP
Rabbit with Shope papilloma virus.
The virus spreads via insect bitesCredit: Getty
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Eight Americans arrested in Bahamas after authorities discover 'high-powered weapons' cache, ammunition

Shocking Discovery: Eight Americans Detained in Bahamas for Hidden Arsenal of High-Powered Weapons

In a significant operation on Tuesday, eight American citizens were detained in…
Former mayor stabbed outside blue state business, suspect with multiple arrests charged

Ex-Mayor Stabbed Outside Business in Blue State: Repeat Offender Charged in High-Profile Incident

A former Massachusetts mayor sustained injuries from a stabbing incident outside his…
Five Points businesses recovering after break-ins

Five Points Businesses Rebound Following Recent Break-Ins

Pattaya Thai is among several businesses in Five Points grappling with the…
A Trump supporter wearing an inflatable costume is attacked in moving gif

Shocking Video: Man in Inflatable Trump Costume Assaulted at ‘No Kings’ Protest in Blue State

A man from Massachusetts has been officially charged after reportedly attacking a…
NYC socialist mayoral candidate Mamdani's 911 plan called 'worst idea' by former NYPD

Former NYPD Criticizes NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani’s Controversial 911 Reform Proposal

Mamdani calls for ‘reorganizing’ NYPD 911 response In a mayoral debate held…
Trucking company owned by illegal immigrant raked in money from taxpayers before fatal crash: records

Records Reveal Taxpayer-Funded Earnings of Immigrant-Owned Trucking Firm Prior to Fatal Accident

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Records reveal that an undocumented immigrant in Indiana, recently…
Man accused of killing teacher wife after wandering shirtless and warning of ‘too many cops’ nearby: police

Shirtless Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing Teacher Wife, Claims ‘Too Many Cops’ Were Close: Police Report

A Texas man has been taken into custody following allegations that he…
Bernie-Endorsed Maine Senate Candidate's Campaign Implodes As Dems in Disarray Hits Fever Pitch

Maine Democrats Face Backlash Over Controversial Policies: A Step Too Far?

In a surprising twist from Maine, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner…
New take on twisted '90s thriller 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle' stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Maika Monroe

Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Maika Monroe Lead Riveting Remake of 90s Thriller ‘The Hand that Rocks the Cradle

In Hollywood, a fresh reimagining of a classic thriller is making waves.…
King Charles, Queen Camilla pray with Pope Leo in historic step for churches and welcome respite from Epstein scandal

King Charles and Queen Camilla Engage in Historic Prayer with Pope Leo, Offering a Church Unification Milestone Amid Epstein Scandal Distraction

In a landmark visit to the Vatican, King Charles III of Britain…
Broadway musicians reach tentative labor deal, averting a strike

Broadway Musicians Secure Tentative Labor Agreement, Preventing Potential Strike

NEW YORK (AP) — In a significant move to keep the show…
Chicago crash: 1 arrested in attempt to hit federal agents in vehicle near Ogden, 26th Street in Little Village, Cicero police say

Chicago Incident: Suspect Arrested in Alleged Vehicle Assault on Federal Agents in Little Village, Cicero

CHICAGO — In a dramatic incident on Chicago’s Southwest Side on Wednesday…