{"id":111,"date":"2025-08-22T19:43:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T19:43:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/starloop.site\/?p=111"},"modified":"2025-08-22T19:43:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T19:43:10","slug":"creepy-zombie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starloop.site\/?p=111","title":{"rendered":"Creepy \u2018Zombie Squirrels\u2019 With Oozing Warts Spotted Across America \ud83d\ude31\ud83d\udc3f\ufe0f"},"content":{"rendered":"

Squirrels covered in pus-filled, wart-like tumors have been spotted skulking through backyards across the United States, according to a report.<\/p>\n

The grotesque-looking gray squirrels, photographed in states like Maine and across parts of Canada, have appeared in recent months with oozing sores and hairless patches on their heads and limbs, the\u00a0Daily Mail reported, citing a flurry of social media users spotting the critters on Reddit and X.<\/p>\n

Photos and reports of afflicted squirrels date back to mid-2023, but sightings have surged again this summer, the outlet said.<\/p>\n

\"Squirrel
Grisly-looking squirrels with pus-filled, wart-like tumors have been spotted across the United States.Evelyns Wildlife Refuge<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cAt first I thought it was eating something from my front beds, but then I realized it was on its face,\u201d one Reddit user posted on July 31 after spotting a gray squirrel with a tumor on its mouth, according to the outlet.<\/p>\n

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Some have dubbed the critters \u201czombie squirrels,\u201d but wildlife experts claim the animals are likely suffering from squirrel fibromatosis \u2014 a viral skin disease caused by leporipoxvirus, the outlet reported<\/p>\n

The virus spreads through direct contact between healthy squirrels and the lesions or saliva of infected squirrels \u2014 mimicking herpes transmission in humans.<\/p>\n

The virus is often confused with squirrelpox, which is more common in the UK and can be fatal to red squirrels.<\/p>\n

Leporipoxvirus leads to wart-like tumors that ooze fluid. The skin condition often clears up on its own, but in severe cases, the growths can affect internal organs and lead to death.<\/p>\n

Despite their scary look, Shevenell Webb of Maine\u2019s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife told\u00a0the Bangor Daily News\u00a0that residents do not need to fear the squirrels, as they pose no threat to humans, pets or birds.<\/p>\n