Have you seen those unsettling photos circulating online? Deer with strange growths, rabbits looking like something out of a sci-fi movie, and squirrels with peculiar lumps? It’s understandable why these images have gone viral and sparked fears of widespread mutations. But what’s really going on?
The Culprit: A Tiny Poxvirus
The primary cause behind these sometimes grotesque-looking growths on wildlife is a virus called the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV). While it sounds alarming, this virus is actually quite common in rabbit populations. CRPV is a type of papillomavirus, similar to the human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause warts in people.
When this virus infects a rabbit, it can cause the cells in the skin to grow abnormally. This leads to the development of hard, fibrous tumors, often referred to as ‘warts’ or ‘horns,’ which can appear anywhere on the animal’s body, including the face, legs, and torso. These growths can be quite large and disfiguring, which is why infected rabbits often look so striking and have earned nicknames like ‘Frankenstein rabbits.’
It’s Not Just Rabbits
While CRPV is most famously associated with rabbits, related viruses can affect other species. Deer can be affected by a similar virus, causing similar types of warts. These growths on deer can appear as large, leathery masses, often on the head, neck, or legs. While unsightly, these tumors are generally benign and don’t typically kill the animal directly unless they grow so large they interfere with feeding, vision, or mobility.
Squirrels and other wild animals can also be susceptible to different strains of papillomaviruses or other pathogens that cause skin abnormalities. The images that look like ‘zombie squirrels’ often show animals with severe mange, a skin disease caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, leading to hair loss, inflammation, and crusting.
Can It Affect Humans?
It’s important to note that these specific viruses that affect wildlife, like CRPV, are generally not transmissible to humans. The concern is not about catching these conditions from the animals themselves. However, as with any wild animal, it’s always wise to maintain a safe distance and avoid direct contact, especially with animals that appear ill or injured.
Why the Recent Buzz?
Viral photos and social media trends can make it seem like these conditions are suddenly appearing everywhere. However, these viruses and diseases have been around for a long time. What’s changed is our ability to capture and share images instantly, making us more aware of the natural world’s challenges.
Factors like habitat changes, environmental stressors, and the density of animal populations can influence how these viruses spread and how visible the effects are. For instance, warmer weather patterns, influenced by climate change, can sometimes impact the populations and ranges of the vectors that carry these diseases or the survival rates of infected animals.
What We Can Do
While we can’t directly ‘cure’ wildlife, understanding the science behind these visible changes helps dispel myths and reduce undue panic. Appreciating the resilience of nature and the ongoing scientific efforts to monitor wildlife health is key. The more we learn about our environment, the better we can understand and protect the delicate balance within it.