Viral Surge of Mutant and 'Zombie' Animals Sparks Curiosity Across the US

Deer across the US are exhibiting tumor-like growths called deer warts caused by a papillomavirus transmitted mainly through biting insects, which is increasing during late summer and fall. While usually harmless and self-resolving, these growths can sometimes impair the animals' vision or eating ability, but do not pose a risk to humans or other species.