Squirrels with pus-filled, wart-like tumors have been seen skulking through backyards across the United States, according to a report.
The grotesque gray rodents, photographed in states like Maine and parts of Canada, have recently appeared with oozing sores and bald patches on their heads and limbs, the Daily Mail reported, citing social media posts on Reddit and X.
While photos and reports of these afflicted squirrels date back to mid-2023, sightings have surged again this summer.
Grotesque squirrels covered in pus-filled, wart-like tumors are appearing across the U.S.
“At first, I thought it was eating something from my front beds, but then I realized it was on its face,” one Reddit user wrote on July 31 after spotting a gray squirrel with a tumor on its mouth, the outlet reported.
Some have nicknamed the creatures “zombie squirrels,” but wildlife experts say the animals are likely suffering from squirrel fibromatosis — a viral skin disease caused by leporipoxvirus, according to the report.
The virus spreads through direct contact between healthy squirrels and the lesions or saliva of infected ones — similar to how herpes is transmitted in humans.
It is often confused with squirrelpox, a more common disease in the UK that can be fatal to red squirrels.
Leporipoxvirus causes wart-like tumors that ooze fluid. While the condition often resolves on its own, severe cases can affect internal organs and even be fatal.
Despite their alarming appearance, Shevenell Webb of Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife told the Bangor Daily News that residents have no reason to fear these squirrels, as they pose no risk to humans, pets, or birds.
Wildlife experts say the squirrels are likely affected by squirrel fibromatosis, a viral skin disease caused by leporipoxvirus
“It’s like when you get a large concentration of people. If someone is sick and it spreads easily, others are likely to catch it,” Webb explained.
These “concentrations” can be unintentionally created by bird feeders. Infected squirrels can leave saliva or fluid on uneaten seeds, exposing other squirrels to the virus.
“Like many people, I love watching birds,” Webb said. “But you can inadvertently attract multiple squirrels to a feeder and risk exposure if one is carrying the virus.”
Although the so-called “zombie” squirrels aren’t dangerous, experts advise letting the animals recover on their own.
“I wouldn’t recommend trying to capture a squirrel with the virus,” Webb cautioned. “It’s naturally occurring and will run its course over time.”
The tumors typically resolve within four to eight weeks, the report noted.
The squirrel virus sightings come as another fast-spreading disease is affecting cottontail rabbits in Colorado, causing them to grow black, tentacle-like spikes on their heads this month and prompting warnings to avoid the mutated animals.
The condition, nicknamed “bunny blight,” is caused by cottontail papilloma virus, also known as Shope papilloma virus, which leads to tumor growth around the rabbits’ heads.
