Grotesque ‘Zombie Squirrels’ with Oozing Warts Spotted Roaming Through US Backyards

Zombie-esque squirrels covered in oozing, wart-like tumors have been invading backyards across the United States and the reason behind the deformities is likely caused by the species’ version of herpes, according to experts.

The grotesque-looking gray squirrels have been increasingly photographed this summer in US states, including Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, the Daily Mail reported, citing a flurry of social media posts reporting the bizarre sightings.

“What is going on with the squirrels lately?! This is the third one I’ve seen looking like this, and it’s honestly freaking me out,” one user posted on Facebook on June 9, alongside a photo of a squirrel covered in hairless patches and gnarly warts.

A Tarpon Springs, Florida resident also captured a photo of one of the rodents with “patchy fur and reddish bumps.”

“Found this poor squirrel in my back yard, really scared the crap out of me because I could tell it looked deformed,” an Ohio resident added in a separate post of a skulking squirrel covered in warts.

Wildlife experts said the so-called “zombie squirrels” are actually likely suffering from squirrel fibromatosis — a viral skin disease caused by leporipoxvirus, the outlet reported. (Read more from “Grotesque ‘Zombie Squirrels’ with Oozing Warts Spotted Roaming Through US Backyards” HERE)

Photo credit: Flickr