A PLAGUE of terrifying “zombie” squirrels has gripped backyards across America.
Squirrels may look cute with their big bushy tails on a good day, but these ones have been seen covered with ghastly, pus-filled tumours.
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These grotesque sores make the animals look like something out of a zombie apocalypse.
Pictures show them absolutely coated in these unsightly growths around their heads and limbs.
Homeowners in the US and Canada have spotted these disfigured rodents, leading to panicked speculation as to what’s wrong with them.
Sightings of the diseased squirrels date as far back as 2023 in Maine, the Daily Mail has reported.
One Reddit user posted: “At first I thought it was eating something from my front beds, but then I realized it was on its face.”
But while the descriptor of “zombie squirrel” has taken off online, wildlife experts think there’s a specific condition they have.
Squirrel fibromatosis has been identified as the likely culprit – a skin condition that’s caused by leporipoxvirus.
It spreads through direct contact between healthy squirrels and the lesions or saliva on those that are infected.
The condition leads to the wart-like growths spotted on the infected squirrels – which can burst open and ooze fluid.
However, residents will be relieved to hear that the disease is specific to squirrels and cannot spread to humans or other animals.
But Shevenell Webb from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife nevertheless does not suggest trying help infected squirrels.
“I would not recommend trying to capture a squirrel that has the virus,” Webb told the Bangor Daily News.
“It is naturally occurring and will run its course in time.”
The ugly growths will typically heal of their own accord, without the need for any medication.
But from time to time, cases of squirrel fibromatosis can affect internal organs and lead to death.
And it’s not the only disease that can turn otherwise cute animals into nightmare-fuel.
What is squirrel fibromatosis?
- A disease causing ugly tumours to grow on squirrels’ heads and limbs
- It is spread through contact between healthy specimens and infected sores
- The condition is cause by leporipoxvirus
- It cannot spread to other animals, including dogs and humans
- The growths will usually heal of their own accord
- In some cases, it can lead to death if internal organs are affected
Horror images of rabbits with tentacles sprouting out of their heads have gone viral online.
Nightmarish pictures of the bunnies has prompted comparisons with the video game and HBO hit show The Last of Us.
Some initially thought that the images were AI-generated, but unfortunately, the horrible disease is actually real.
The bunnies are suffering from Shope Papilloma Virus – which causes these black growths to sprout from their faces.
Once the rabbit’s immune system has fought off the virus, the “horns” will disappear.
This virus also cannot be passed on to other species, including dogs and humans.
However, people are still advised not to touch any infected rabbits.
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