Gray squirrels appearing with strange, wart-like tumors have been spotted in various backyards across the U.S., and experts suggest that these odd growths may be linked to a type of herpes virus.
During this summer, there has been an increase in sightings of these unusual squirrels in places like Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan. There’s been a wave of social media posts sharing bizarre encounters, making people wonder about the situation.
One Facebook user commented, “What’s going on with the squirrels lately?! This is the third time I’ve seen them like this, and I’m honestly freaking out,” sharing a picture of a squirrel with bare patches and strange warts.
Another resident from Tarpon Springs, Florida, also posted a photo of a squirrel exhibiting “dappled fur and reddish bumps.” It’s a little unsettling, really.
“I found this poor squirrel in my backyard. I saw that it was deformed, and I was really scared,” said a woman from Ohio, referring to her own sighting of a wart-covered squirrel.
Wildlife specialists indicate that what people are calling “zombie squirrels” are likely suffering from squirrel fibromatosis, which is a viral skin issue resulting from the leporipoxvirus, according to reports.
This virus spreads through direct contact between a healthy squirrel and the lesions or saliva from an infected one, showing similarities to how herpes transmits among humans.
Squirrel fibromatosis is often confused with squirrelpox, the latter being prevalent in the UK and known to be deadly for red squirrels.
The leporipoxvirus results in those nasty, fluid-oozing tumors. While many cases resolve by themselves, severe instances can lead to serious health issues or even death.
Reports of squirrels infected with the virus surged in August 2025, particularly in states like Maine and across Canada.
Chevenel Webb from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife reassured residents, stating that these squirrels do not pose a threat to people, pets, or birds.
He explained, “It’s like when you have a concentration of people. If someone is sick and the illness spreads easily, others may contract it too.”
Bird feeders might contribute to the spread, as they allow infected animals to leave behind saliva and body fluids on uneaten seeds, potentially exposing other squirrels to the virus.
Experts advise that it’s usually best to let these animals recover on their own since tumors often disappear within four to eight weeks.
