Wild rabbits in South Dakota and Colorado have developed horn-like growths and mouth tentacles. These bunnies, now being called ‘Frankenstein’s rabbits’ online, are infected with a virus called Shope papillomavirus (SPV),

Unusual-looking rabbits have recently been spotted in Washington, sporting wart-like growths that can resemble horns.

CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose told KDVR: "There’s no overt concern needed for pet owners. We would just say to keep those wildlife principles in mind when you do have them out: Keep them on leash, keep them away from wild animals just in case, but it is not something necessarily we see transferred from rabbits to dogs.”

HORRIFYING images of ‘zombie’ rabbits with tentacles sprouting out of their heads have been circulating online – so is your pet bunny safe? The traumatising snaps have led to

The growths are caused by a rare virus named Shope papilloma virus. The virus leads to wart-like skin protrusions on rabbits' heads and faces. The virus spreads between rabbits through insect bites. Several reports have stated that it is not contagious to humans,

A rapidly spreading virus is causing cottontail rabbits to grow black, tentacle-like growths out of their heads, prompting warnings to steer clear of the mutated animals.