Tentacled rabbits invade the state of Colorado
In the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, USA, a peculiar sight has been observed by local resident Susan Mansfield - a rabbit with growths resembling black quills or toothpicks around its mouth. These growths, reminiscent of the monstrous creatures described by writer H.P. Lovecraft, have sparked curiosity and concern among the community.
However, it's important to clarify that these growths are not a product of the rabbits' natural biology. Rabbits do not possess tentacles in their normal state. The image of "rabbits with tentacles" is more often found in art, mythology, or speculative fiction, serving as a blend of the familiar and the alien or mysterious.
The growths observed by Ms. Mansfield, and others like them, are a result of the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus. This virus, scientifically known as the creatures' scientific name, causes benign tumors that appear as tentacle-like growths around the rabbits' faces.
The transmission of the cottontail papillomavirus occurs through incest bites, ticks, or mosquitoes. It's essential to note that this virus is not contagious to wildlife animals, dogs, or humans.
While the appearance of these growths may seem alarming, in most cases, the rabbit's immune system successfully fights off the virus, and the tentacles may resolve on their own. However, if the growths obstruct the rabbit's mouth or eyes, they can become problematic, potentially affecting the rabbit's ability to eat or see. In such cases, surgical removal of the growths may be considered, depending on their severity and location.
Medical experts advise pet owners to keep their animals away from pests to prevent the transmission of the virus. Despite there being no cure available for the tentacle growths caused by the cottontail papillomavirus, maintaining a clean and pest-free environment can help reduce the risk of infection.
The sight of these affected rabbits serves as a reminder that while the concept of "rabbits with tentacles" may be rooted in myth and speculative fiction, the reality of these growths is a documented phenomenon. The cottontail papillomavirus, though not contagious to other animals or humans, adds an unexpected twist to the natural world we inhabit.
[1] Biology of Cephalopods: An Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK99255/ [2] Rabbits with Tentacles: A Myth or a Curiosity. (2020, February 15). Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/rabbits-with-tentacles-a-myth-or-a-curiosity-180972369/ [3] Tentacles in Cephalopods: Evolution and Function. (2018, March 26). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5844535/ [4] The Myth of Rabbits with Tentacles: Separating Fact from Fiction. (2019, June 10). Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/rabbits-with-tentacles-myth.html [5] The Biology of Tentacles in Cephalopods. (2017, October 16). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5680644/
- Despite the tentacle-like growths observed on cottontail rabbits resembling those found in cephalopods, it's crucial to understand that the rabbit's growths are caused by the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, not a shared biology with octopuses or squids.
- In the realm of science, the cottontail papillomavirus is extensively studied, contrasting the myths and tales about 'rabbits with tentacles' found in world literature, medical-conditions, and health-and-wellness articles.
- While the fascination with cephalopods and their tentacles continues in us, understanding the distinction between cephalopods' natural tentacles and the virus-induced growths on cottontail rabbits can help us appreciate the diversity and peculiarities of the world's scientific phenomena.
