Mysterious 'Zombie' Squirrels With Warts Discovered Nationwide

WHO:

Yahoo News Canada - Residents in several U.S. states, including Florida, Michigan, and North Carolina, have reported sightings of squirrels with wart-like lesions.

Yahoo News Canada - Shevenell Webb, a wildlife biologist and furbearer specialist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, provided expert commentary.

WHAT:

Yahoo News Canada - Squirrels with oozing tumors have been nicknamed “zombie squirrels” due to their grotesque appearance.

Yahoo News Canada - The tumors are likely linked to squirrel fibromatosis, a disease caused by the Lepripoxvirus.

Yahoo News Canada - The infection usually clears up on its own, with squirrels often recovering within four to eight weeks.

Yahoo News Canada - In rare cases, the tumors can spread to the squirrels' organs, causing weakness and lethargy.

WHERE:

Yahoo News Canada - Reports of the “zombie squirrels” have come from backyards in Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio.

Yahoo News Canada - Specific mention of Tarpon Springs, Florida, where an Eastern Gray Squirrel was observed.

WHEN:

Yahoo News Canada - Infections tend to occur in the spring and summer.

Yahoo News Canada - A Facebook user shared a post about the alarming appearance of a squirrel on June 3.

WHY:

Yahoo News Canada - The disease is naturally occurring and often resolves without intervention.

HOW:

Yahoo News Canada - The disease can spread quickly among squirrels when they gather in groups.

Yahoo News Canada - Webb advised homeowners to consider removing bird feeders to reduce squirrel gatherings.

(UPDATED June 27, 2026 07:54 UTC)

Residents in several U.S. states, including Florida, Michigan, and North Carolina, have reported sightings of squirrels with wart-like lesions, leading to the nickname "zombie squirrels" due to their unsettling appearance. Wildlife biologist Shevenell Webb explained that these oozing tumors are likely linked to squirrel fibromatosis, a disease caused by the Lepripoxvirus, which usually resolves on its own within four to eight weeks, although in rare cases, it can cause more serious health issues. To help curb the spread of this disease, Webb recommends that homeowners consider removing bird feeders to limit squirrel gatherings.