The Museum's image archivist, Rene' Payne, came across this
photographic plate dated from 1915-1930 in our archives. Is this
real proof for the existence of the jackalope or is there a
biological explanation for this oddball bunny with
antlers?
Although the actual specimen is not in our collections for
modern day inspection, this bunny was most likely infected with Shope
papilloma virus, a nasty virus that causes tumors typically
found around the face and head of the poor bunny. These tumors
might interfere with the bunny's ability to eat and eventually lead
to starvation.
The rabbit virus is related to the family of human
papilloma viruses (HPVs) that have been associated with genital
warts and in some instances, cervical cancer. The controversy over
preventative vaccination of young girls, before adolescence and
potential sexual activity, is related to vaccines developed to
prevent certain strains of HPV associated with HPV-induced
cancers.
It is thought that Shope's might be the basis for the jackalope
myth, which dates back several hundred years. Check out the
images of "jackalopes" and see what you think. Also, check out the
Museum's on-line image archives on Luna, with lots of cool images from the Museum's
100+ year history.
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