Latest news with #zombieSquirrels
The Independent
18 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
‘Zombie squirrels' sightings have been reported in Maine and Canada
Sightings of 'zombie squirrels ' with bulging, hairless tumors have been reported in Maine and parts of Canada. These growths are consistent with squirrel fibromatosis, a common and typically non-lethal skin disease caused by a virus. The virus spreads through direct contact between squirrels or via biting insects, though the growths usually regress on their own within weeks or months. Wildlife experts confirm that squirrel fibromatosis is not transmissible to humans, domestic pets, or birds, advising residents to leave affected animals alone. The reports follow earlier sightings of 'Frankenstein bunnies' in Colorado, which are rabbits affected by shope papillomavirus, another condition not harmful to humans or pets. 'Frankenstein rabbits' scare prompts new fears of 'zombie squirrel' plague
Gizmodo
a day ago
- Health
- Gizmodo
People Are Now Seeing ‘Zombie' Squirrels in Their Backyards
As if black-horned rabbits weren't strange enough, people are now spotting zombie-like squirrels covered in odd, sometimes bleeding sores in their backyards and parks. These sickly squirrels aren't zombies, however, but victims of a real viral disease. Residents in both Canada and the U.S. have recently reported sightings of the zombie squirrels, dating back to at least 2023. These animals are likely carrying a germ known as the squirrel fibroma virus (SFV). Though the condition is scary-looking, squirrels usually recover from the infection, and it poses no threat to humans. Colorado Residents Are Spotting Weird-Looking Rabbits With Black Horns and Mouth Tentacles SFV was first discovered in the 1950s and is a poxvirus, meaning it's related to the virus that causes smallpox in humans. That said, it's a part of a genus, leporipoxvirus, whose only known natural hosts are squirrels and rabbits. The infection causes the formation of benign tumors, or fibromas, to form across the squirrel's skin, particularly on its head or limbs. The virus is thought to primarily spread through the bites of mosquitos and fleas, but it may also be transmitted through close direct contact with an infected squirrel. It predominantly affects gray squirrels, though it can infect other species as well. SFV can be a dangerous disease for squirrels. The tumors can potentially metastasize to the animal's internal organs or become so large and numerous on the skin that they cause secondary infections or even hamper the animal's vision and ability to eat. But according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the infection typically doesn't cause any obvious signs of illness outside of the skin fibromas. And in areas where it is common, like Michigan, the virus hasn't had any effect on the overall squirrel population. In most cases, the fibromas regress over time, and the animal recovers completely. If you're a hunter with a hankering for squirrel meat, you can also rest easy. Even SFV-infected squirrels are apparently safe for consumption, according to the Michigan DNR. Still, the average person shouldn't try to touch or handle infected squirrels, or really any wildlife for that matter. On a little side note, SFV is sometimes called the squirrel pox virus. But this is also the nickname for a different pox virus (the squirrelpox virus) that predominantly affects squirrels in the UK. Adding to the confusion, researchers have identified other potential squirrel pox viruses in countries like Canada and Germany. All of which is to say: It feels like there should be a cleaner labeling system for these squirrel-related diseases.
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
Terrifying plague of ‘zombie squirrels' erupts as critters covered in oozing pus-filled sores are seen swarming gardens
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. 5 5 5 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. Horror as rabbits 'with tentacles and horns growing from their heads' are spotted & public urgently warned to stay away 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. 5 5
