Reports of 'zombie squirrels' covered in oozing sores have emerged across the United States and Canada, following earlier concerns over 'Frankenstein rabbits' with black tendrils on their faces in Colorado. The first instances of these afflicted squirrels date back to 2023, when a homeowner photographed several grey squirrels with tumours in their yard.
The hairless growths, which can appear on the head, eyes, legs, and genitals, have been seen oozing pus. Sightings have surged in the past month, likely because more squirrels are active gathering food for winter, according to wildlife experts. They fear that bird feeders in gardens may be facilitating the spread of the illness.
While no official diagnosis has been confirmed, experts suspect squirrel fibromatosis, a common virus causing wart-like growths that usually heal on their own. Shevenell Webb from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife advised against capturing affected squirrels, stating the virus is naturally occurring and will run its course.
It is less likely that the condition is squirrel pox (SQPV), which is more common in the UK and often fatal to red squirrels. Fibromatosis typically resolves within eight weeks, and affected squirrels are expected to recover fully by next summer.
