First, it was “zombie rabbits” with grotesque growths. Now, a new warning has been issued as disturbing sightings of squirrels with oozing sores, wart-like lumps, and disfigured faces spread across the United States.

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Disturbing Backyard Encounters

For many, squirrels are playful symbols of nature, scampering from tree to tree with bushy tails and quick movements. But recent images and videos shared on social media have shocked animal lovers, showing squirrels covered in large, grotesque lumps.

One Reddit user described a shocking encounter in late July after spotting a squirrel with what they thought was food stuck to its face—only to realize the mass was part of its skin. They pleaded online: “Any ideas what is going on with this little fella?”

The unsettling answer, experts confirm, is squirrel pox — also known as squirrel fibromatosis — a naturally occurring disease that is far more common than most people realize.

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Experts Confirm the Disease but Urge Caution

Sightings are not new. In 2023, Maine residents reported squirrels with oozing sores and scaly growths.

Wildlife biologist Shevenell Webb from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife explained that the condition usually resolves itself over time, but she strongly warned the public to keep their distance:

“I would not recommend trying to capture a squirrel that has the virus. It is naturally occurring and will run its course in time.”

The disease spreads quickly when squirrels gather at feeders, often sharing saliva. Webb compared it to the way humans pass colds or flu in crowded spaces:

“It’s like when you get a large concentration of people. If someone is sick and it’s something that spreads easily, others are going to catch it.”

Despite their horrific appearance, most infected squirrels survive unless the fibromas grow large enough to interfere with vital functions like eating, breathing, or seeing.

“It’s nothing to really worry about,” Webb added. “For the most part, squirrels with squirrel pox are just really ugly to look at.”

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Panic Over “Zombie Squirrels”

From Maine to Virginia, reports continue to surface.

At Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge, staff members confirmed sightings of squirrels with strange lumps. In some cases, the disfigurements were not caused by squirrel pox at all but by botfly larvae tunneling under the skin.

Their warning was clear:

“Only skilled rehabbers or vets should attempt to extract bots.”

On social media, alarmed users quickly dubbed them “zombie squirrels.” One Twitter user wrote in exasperation: “Zombie squirrels?! Seriously?! FFS!!”

Others shared photos of eastern gray squirrels with their faces overtaken by growths. One asked: “Can grey squirrels survive squirrel pox? I see a few with early symptoms in my backyard.”

Some attempted humor in the face of horror. A Redditor captioned their photo simply: “Squirrel Pox, ladies and gentlemen. Thank God they’re only for squirrels.”

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Risk to Pets and Humans?

Fortunately, experts emphasize that squirrel pox is species-specific. Humans, cats, and dogs are not at risk.

According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, only in very rare cases have domestic rabbits been affected.

Transmission between squirrels is often carried by biting insects. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources described the illness as:

“Characterized by varying sizes and numbers of wart-like growths or fibromas on the skin of squirrels. Biting insects, such as mosquitoes, are likely the primary route of transmission between squirrels.”

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Hope for Survival

While the images can be unsettling, many squirrels recover fully once the virus passes.

One wildlife enthusiast even shared a heartening update, posting a video of a once severely infected squirrel now bounding through a yard:

“He beat the worst squirrel pox I have seen and is recovering well. Bad scars but almost full function again and is socializing a little too!”

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What You Should Do

Experts stress that the best response to seeing “zombie squirrels” in your neighborhood is non-interference:

• Keep your distance.

• Do not attempt to capture or treat the animals.

• Take down bird or squirrel feeders if you notice multiple infected squirrels, to limit spread.

Though their appearance may be shocking, most of these animals will pull through. The so-called “zombie squirrels” may look terrifying, but in most cases, they’re survivors — not the undead.