Disturbing Sightings of “Zombie Squirrels” Alarm Communities Across the U.S.
Following recent concerns over so-called “zombie rabbits,” a new warning has now been issued — this time involving squirrels.
Across several states, Americans have reported unsettling sightings of squirrels with grotesque lumps, wart-like growths, oozing sores, and disfigured faces. Photos and videos shared on Facebook, Reddit, and other platforms have left many people shocked and deeply disturbed.
From Backyard Charm to Horror
Ordinarily, squirrels are seen as playful, energetic creatures — darting across yards and leaping from tree to tree with their iconic bushy tails. But the latest images circulating online reveal a darker reality: some of these animals are covered in disturbing growths that make them almost unrecognizable.
One Reddit user, after posting a photo of an afflicted squirrel in late July, confessed they first assumed the animal “had something stuck on its face.” To their horror, they quickly realized the mass was part of the creature itself. The plea for answers echoed across the platform: “Any idea what’s going on with this little fella?”
The answer, experts say, is a naturally occurring viral illness known as squirrel fibromatosis, or “squirrel pox.”
Experts Confirm the Cause but Warn the Public
In 2023, similar cases were reported in Maine, where squirrels were spotted with scaly lesions and painful-looking sores. Wildlife biologist Shevenell Webb of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reassured residents that the condition usually “runs its course.”
However, Webb strongly cautioned against trying to help infected animals:
“I would not recommend attempting to capture a squirrel with the virus. It is naturally occurring and will pass with time.”
The illness spreads rapidly in areas where squirrels congregate, particularly around bird or squirrel feeders, through close contact or shared saliva. Webb compared it to humans transmitting colds in crowded places:
“If someone is sick and it’s contagious, it’s going to spread to others.”
Though the disease is alarming to witness, most infected squirrels survive unless the fibromas interfere with vital organs or obstruct eating and vision.
“It’s mostly a cosmetic issue,” Webb said. “They’re just very unpleasant to look at.”
The Rise of the “Zombie Squirrel” Label
From Maine down to Virginia, reports of diseased squirrels continue to spread. At Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge, staff confirmed that they too have encountered squirrels with severe skin abnormalities. In some cases, the culprit wasn’t pox at all but botfly larvae burrowed under the skin, which can mimic the same gruesome symptoms.
“Only trained wildlife rehabilitators or veterinarians should ever attempt to remove these parasites,” staff warned.
Online, the unsettling images have earned the creatures a chilling nickname: “zombie squirrels.” Social media has been flooded with shocked reactions:
“Zombie squirrels?! Seriously?!” one Twitter user exclaimed.
Another horrified commenter shared a photo of a gray squirrel with growths overtaking its face, asking desperately: “Can grey squirrels survive squirrel pox? I’ve started seeing a few in my backyard.”
Others tried to inject humor into the grim situation, with one Reddit user posting: “Squirrel pox, ladies and gentlemen. Thankfully, only squirrels can get it.”
Are Pets or Humans at Risk?
Fortunately, experts emphasize that squirrel pox is species-specific. According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, humans and household pets such as cats and dogs are not at risk. In rare circumstances, domestic rabbits may contract the illness, but this is unusual.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources explained that the virus is spread primarily through mosquito bites and is characterized by wart-like fibromas varying in size and number.
Recovery Is Possible
Although the appearance of infected squirrels can be disturbing, many of them ultimately recover. Once the virus subsides, the fibromas shrink, often leaving scars but allowing the squirrel to regain normal activity.
One wildlife enthusiast shared a heartening video showing a once-afflicted squirrel back to leaping across the yard:
“He survived the worst case of squirrel pox I’ve ever seen. He’s scarred but doing well and even socializing again.”
The Bottom Line
While “zombie squirrels” may cause alarm, experts stress that the best course of action is non-interference. If you spot an outbreak in your area, avoid handling the animals and temporarily remove feeders to prevent further spread.
The sight may be shocking, but in most cases, nature takes its course — and the resilient squirrels survive.