“Zombie” Squirrels With Wart-Like Growths Alarm Experts Across the U.S.

First it was “zombie rabbits.” Now, another unsettling wildlife warning has surfaced — this time involving squirrels with grotesque growths spreading across American backyards.

Disturbing sightings spark concern

Normally seen as playful, nimble creatures leaping between trees, squirrels are now appearing in photos and videos with swollen lumps, scaly lesions, and oozing sores. The images, shared widely on Reddit and Facebook, have left many people both shocked and uneasy.

One Reddit poster who spotted a squirrel in late July admitted they first thought the animal “had food stuck to its face” before realizing the growth was part of its skin. “Any idea what’s happening to this little guy?” they pleaded.

The answer, experts say, is a naturally occurring illness known as squirrel pox — or squirrel fibromatosis — a viral disease that may look horrifying but is not new.

Experts confirm the cause — and urge caution

Wildlife biologist Shevenell Webb of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife explained that the condition tends to resolve on its own but warned people against getting too close.

“I would not recommend trying to capture a squirrel with this virus,” Webb told Bangor Daily News. “It is naturally occurring and usually runs its course.”

The virus spreads most easily where squirrels gather in close quarters, such as around feeders, much like illnesses moving quickly among humans in crowded spaces.

Although the lumps can appear severe, most squirrels survive unless the growths interfere with their eyesight, eating, or reach internal organs. “For the most part, squirrels with squirrel pox are just very unpleasant to look at,” Webb noted.

The rise of the “zombie squirrel” nickname

From Maine down to Virginia, more cases have been reported. Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge confirmed sightings of squirrels with skin covered in odd lumps, some of which turned out to be caused by botfly larvae burrowing under the skin rather than the pox virus.

“Only trained rehabbers or veterinarians should attempt to remove bots,” the center cautioned.

On social media, the term “zombie squirrels” has caught on quickly. One alarmed Twitter user exclaimed: “Zombie squirrels?! Are you kidding me?!” while another shared a photo of an eastern gray squirrel with its face nearly consumed by growths, asking if survival was even possible. Others took a lighter approach, with one Redditor jokingly announcing: “Squirrel Pox, everyone. Thank goodness it only affects squirrels.”

Are pets or people at risk?

Fortunately, experts emphasize that the virus does not jump species. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, humans, cats, and dogs are not in danger. Only in rare circumstances might domestic rabbits contract the illness.

Research suggests transmission occurs mainly through mosquito bites or other biting insects, which carry the virus from one squirrel to another.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources describes the condition as “wart-like growths, sometimes few, sometimes many, that can vary in size.”

Recovery is possible

While the images are disturbing, there are hopeful outcomes. Some squirrels do heal once the infection runs its course.

One wildlife enthusiast even shared a video of a once-afflicted squirrel energetically sprinting through a yard. “He had the worst squirrel pox I’ve ever seen,” the poster wrote, “but he recovered. He’s scarred, but almost back to normal.”

What to do if you see one

Experts stress the most responsible response is to keep your distance, avoid handling sick wildlife, and remove feeders if you notice multiple infected animals in your area.

The sight of “zombie squirrels” may be unnerving, but biologists insist the best way to help is to let nature take its course — while giving these unlucky creatures the space they need to heal.