After Zombie Rabbits, Now Zombie Squirrels Covered With Wart-Like Tumours Spotted, What’s Happening In The US?

The zombie squirrels had appeared in the past, but sightings have surged again this summer with oozing sores and hairless patches on their heads and limbs.

After zombie rabbits, now zombie squirrels covered in pus-filled, wart-like tumours have been recently spotted skulking through backyards across the United States. Given the strange and unusual growths on their bodies, the grotesque-looking gray squirrels have been dubbed "zombie squirrels" by internet users.

What Is Squirrel Fibromatosis?

According to a leading media outlet, the disturbing-looking squirrelshad appeared in the past, but sightings have surged again this summer with oozing sores and hairless patches on their heads and limbs. Wildlife expert says that the animals are likely suffering from squirrel fibromatosis, which is a viral skin disease caused by leporipoxvirus.

"Fibromatoses are uncommon, slow-growing proliferations of fibroblast-like cells that are associated with extensive collagen production. Fibromatoses can occur at multiple sites throughout the body and tend to have a relatively distinct biologic behaviour at different sites," Science Direct explains.

"For instance, palmar fibromatoses (so-called Dupuytren's contracture) is a fibrotic lesion of the fascia of the palm or sole that can result in dysfunction of digits. This type of fibromatosis is hypocellular and does not behave like a soft tissue neoplasm."

How Does Leporipoxvirus Spread?

Reportedly, the virus is often confused with squirrelpox, which is found in the UK, and can be fatal to red squirrels. But squirrel fibromatosis that is currently spreading in the US occurs when healthy squirrels come into contact with the lesions or saliva of infected squirrels, which mimic herpes transmission in humans.

Squirrels infected by the leporipoxvirus appear to have wart-like tumours that ooze fluid. According to wildlife experts, the skin condition often clears up on its own, but in severe cases, the growths can affect internal organs and lead to death.

Are Humans Safe From The Virus?

Shevenell Webb of Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife told a media outlet that despite their scary look, residents need not fear the squirrels, as they pose no threat to humans, pets or birds.

"Zombie squirrels are haunting Maine, North America. Not undead, just diseased with fibromatosis. Basically, squirrels cosplaying The Walking Dead. Experts say it's gross but harmless to humans. Unless you count psychological trauma," writes one X user.