The cottontail rabbit papillomavirus, which alarmed some Colorado residents, cannot spread to other species and often goes away on its own, according to experts.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) - Photos of Colorado rabbits with tentacle and antler-like growths have become popular this summer. It’s caused by Shope papilloma virus. A population of rabbits with this virus has gained traction on social media.

Wildlife officials in Colorado have confirmed a troubling rise in cases of shope papillomavirus, a rare disease causing wild rabbits to grow tentacle-like growths from their heads and mouths. While the condition is not new to science,