All articles tagged with #zombie squirrels
The appearance of 'zombie squirrels' in the U.S. and Canada is due to squirrel fibromatosis, a benign tumor caused by leporipoxvirus infection, which results in lumps on squirrels' bodies. While alarming, these tumors often regress over time and do not significantly threaten squirrel populations or humans, with transmission mainly through insect bites or contact among squirrels.
This summer, unusual animal mutations have been widely reported in the US, including deer with pus-filled sores caused by deer warts, and squirrels with grotesque growths due to squirrel fibromatosis, both linked to viruses spread by insects or direct contact, highlighting a concerning increase in wildlife health issues.
People in Canada and the U.S. are seeing 'zombie' squirrels with tumors caused by the squirrel fibroma virus (SFV), a benign poxvirus that mainly affects squirrels and rabbits. The virus, spread by insects and contact, causes skin fibromas but generally doesn't harm the squirrel population or pose a threat to humans, and infected squirrels are safe to eat. The appearance of these infected squirrels has led to concerns, but the disease is typically self-limiting.