Unusual ‘Zombie Squirrel’ Sightings Alarm Residents in US and Canada

Reports of strange-looking squirrels in North America have surfaced, prompting concerns among residents. These “zombie squirrels,” characterized by bulging, hairless tumors, have been spotted in various locations, including Maine and parts of Canada. The phenomenon follows the recent sighting of a “Frankenstein bunny” in northern Colorado, which had already raised eyebrows and sparked online discussions.

According to an analysis by the Daily Mail, social media users have drawn parallels between the squirrels’ eerie appearance and that of the undead. Wildlife experts attribute the condition to a disease known as squirrel fibromatosis, caused by a virus from the Leporipoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family. This family also includes the myxoma virus, which leads to myxomatosis in rabbits.

While experts are still investigating whether these sightings can be definitively classified as cases of fibromatosis or the similar squirrelpox, it is important to note that the latter is less likely to spread in the United States. Shevenell Webb, a representative from Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, has reassured the public that both diseases are generally non-lethal and pose little risk to humans or domestic animals.

The appearance of these growths may seem alarming. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected squirrels or their lesions and saliva, often at feeding sites. Additionally, biting insects such as mosquitoes and fleas can facilitate transmission. Although unsightly, the growths typically regress within several weeks or months without treatment.

The unusual sightings in Maine come on the heels of reports from Fort Collins, Colorado, where rabbits have been seen with black growths resembling horns. Images of these infected rabbits, which have been likened to “zombies,” “aliens,” and “Frankenstein bunnies,” have gone viral, capturing the public’s imagination. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have identified the culprit as shope papillomavirus, a virus exclusive to rabbits that produces wart-like tumors, particularly around the face and head.

As residents encounter these peculiar animals, experts emphasize that there is no cause for alarm regarding human health. While the sight of these “zombie squirrels” may be unsettling, understanding the underlying conditions can help assuage fears and promote awareness of wildlife health issues.