If you’ve ever heard old folklore about horned rabbits—like the mythical “jackalope”—you might think it’s just a tall tale. But in nature, there’s a real condition that could have inspired such stories. Certain wild rabbits can develop strange, horn-like growths due to a viral infection called Shope papillomavirus.

This virus causes hard, keratinized tumors to form, often around the head, face, or neck. To an untrained eye, these dark, elongated growths can look like horns or antlers. The virus spreads through insect bites, direct contact between rabbits, or contaminated environments. While it doesn’t turn rabbits into fantasy creatures, it can seriously impact their health—making it harder for them to eat, see, or defend themselves.

The phenomenon fascinated scientists in the 1930s, when Dr. Richard Shope first studied it. His research even contributed to early understanding of cancer-causing viruses. Today, horned rabbits remain rare curiosities in the wild, but they’re a striking reminder of how science can bring mythical creatures a little closer to reality.