Disfigured squirrels with sores and flesh pods alarm homeowners across the US.

Oozing sores and grotesque flesh pods have transformed ordinary squirrels into what residents across the United States are calling "zombie creatures," sparking alarm from Florida to Michigan and North Carolina. Homeowners have recently flooded social media with disturbing images of these disfigured animals, with one North Carolina observer expressing genuine terror after encountering the third such specimen on June 9. "What is going on with the squirrels lately?!" the individual posted on Facebook, noting the unsettling nature of the sightings.

In Florida, resident Randy Ellen Kessler documented an eastern gray squirrel in his own backyard displaying patchy fur and reddish bumps. While some internet users initially speculated that squirrel pox, a rare virus primarily affecting red squirrels, was to blame, experts suggest the condition is more likely squirrel fibromatosis. This ailment, caused by a different pathogen, manifests as wart-like growths that may weep fluid but typically resolve themselves. However, severe instances can compromise internal organs and prove fatal to the animal.

Wildlife authorities warn that human activity, specifically the placement of bird feeders, may be inadvertently facilitating the spread of the virus across North America. Shevenell Webb from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife offered a clear comparison to human epidemiology. "It's like when you get a large concentration of people. If someone is sick and it's something that spreads easily, others are going to catch it," she explained. This analogy underscores how government-adjacent regulations regarding wildlife management and public health must balance observation with safety.

Although the disease, caused by the leporipoxvirus, transmits via direct contact between healthy squirrels and the lesions or saliva of infected ones—similar to herpes in humans—it poses no threat to humans, dogs, or birds. Despite this, officials emphasize that citizens should not attempt to touch or assist these infected animals. Jessie Crislip of Ohio, who shared a photo of a terrified-looking squirrel in her yard, admitted to being frightened by the deformity. "Found this poor squirrel in my back yard really scared the crap out of me because I could tell it looked deformed!" she stated.

The visual variety of the infection is stark; one Michigan resident noted that the virus affects every squirrel differently, with some cases remaining focal to the head while others are systemic and lethal. Another North Carolina sighting featured a squirrel covered in bubbles on its head. Despite the gruesome appearance, which can resemble open wounds leaking clear fluid, the condition is a known skin disease among gray squirrels in the US. Nevertheless, the guidance remains strict: do not interfere. As Webb advised the Bangor Daily News, "I would not recommend trying to capture a squirrel that has the virus.

It is naturally occurring and will run its course in time." This perspective highlights that while the visible growths on squirrels can appear alarming, they typically heal without requiring medication and are rarely fatal.

However, wildlife officials caution that some severe instances of squirrel fibromatosis can affect internal organs and ultimately lead to the animal's death.

Sightings of these affected animals tend to increase during the summer months when more creatures venture out to gather food. This activity often centers around residential properties that maintain bird feeders.

"Like a lot of people, I love watching birds," Webb admitted. "Unfortunately, you can attract multiple [squirrels] to that feeder and risk exposure if one has the virus."

The expert explained the transmission mechanism clearly. Squirrels infected with fibromatosis may leave their saliva on uneaten bird seed at these feeders. Healthy animals that subsequently ingest this contaminated seed can then contract the virus.