As weird and concerning as they appear, the virus that causes the dark, wart-like horns or tentacles to grow on cottontail rabbits is relatively common and usually not anything to worry about.

The growths are most likely caused by a summertime virus common in some U.S. states, but wildlife officials say there is no risk of transmission to humans or other animals.

Some cottontail rabbits in Fort Collins, Colorado, have been drawing attention because they have wart-like growths on their faces that look like horns.