Horned Rabbits: The Strange Reality Behind the Myth

Photos and videos of horned rabbits have made their way far and wide across America into the social media promoting curiosity and bafflement alike. Sometimes dubbed "zombie rabbits" because of their sinister-looking growths-cum-horns, these creatures seem to belong to some horror flick. But the truth is a little less mythical and a great deal more scientific: These rabbits are afflicted by an extremely rare malady caused by Shope papillomavirus (SPV). 

What Are Zombie Rabbits?

The term "zombie rabbits" is an informal internet labeling for rabbits infected with Shope papillomavirus, which causes warts that eventually mutate into a keratin structure resembling horns or antlers.

Virus: Shope papillomavirus (SPV) 

Established: 1930s by American scientist Dr. Richard Shope

Growths: Keratinized tumors (formed of the same protein as hair, nails, and horns) 

Appearance: Spiky, twisted, horn-like growths on the head, face, and neck.

These horns are abnormal cellular growths in viral tumors and, therefore, do not fit the definition of horns like those of deer or goats. Such growths are shocking to view. 

Incredible Impact on Rabbits

The condition is more tragic than frightening for rabbits.

• Eating and drinking are frequently hindered, leading to malnutrition. 
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• Vision, grooming, and movement can be impaired by these lumps, putting these animals at risk for predation. 
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• Starvation and premature demise are common in severely affected individuals within the wild.

So, while horned rabbits are curiosities, the odds are that this condition is a death sentence for the animal. 

From Myth To Meme: The Jackalope Connection

The jackalope is one of the renowned mythological animals, resembling a jackrabbit but with antelope horns, which belongs to American folklore.

• The legend gained greater favor in the 1930s and 1940s, with an outpouring of glorification in the American West. 
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• Taxidermists began with rabbits, attaching deer antlers to mounted specimens to create what they called a jackalope. 
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• Tourist shops in the states of Wyoming and Colorado continue selling jackalope memorabilia to this day.

Actual sightings of horned rabbits infected with SPV might have drawn inspiration for the jackalope folklore. This folk myth has now again become a viral craze all because of the social-media images and videos showing real infected rabbits. 

Horned Rabbit: Do They Really Harm Humans?

One question is trending now: "Can zombies of the rabbit infect mankind?"

Answer is No!

Shope papillomavirus is species-infecting.

Infect a rabbit only.

Proves not susceptible to human beings, pets, or livestock.

Highest risk lies within the rabbit itself, under no close observation from humans.

While they may not be all that attractive, horned rabbits are harmless to humans.

Scientific Importance of Shope Papillomavirus

Beyond folklore and Internet memes, SPV holds great importance in cancer research.

• SPV became the first proven virus to cause cancer in mammals.
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• It allowed scientists to study how tumors are induced by viruses.
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• These similarities bears to human papillomavirus (HPV) and have advanced research in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer as well as other HPV-related diseases.