Freaky photos of ‘black-bubbled’ deer go viral after fears of zombie rabbits, squirrels spread
Striking images of deer covered in large, dark growths have gone viral on social media, fueling growing concern after earlier sightings of similarly afflicted squirrels and rabbits across the U.S.
The photos show deer with grotesque, boil-like tumors — known as fibromas — scattered across their bodies, often concentrated around the head and neck. While alarming in appearance, wildlife experts assure the public that these non-cancerous growths are generally harmless and do not significantly impact the animals’ health.
Fibromas are caused by a virus that can spread from deer to deer, typically through close contact or biting insects.
The images gained traction online shortly after reports of other wild animals displaying bizarre deformities — including “zombie squirrels” in Maine and “Frankenstein rabbits” in states like Colorado, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
In the rabbits’ case, the unsettling black, tentacle-like growths are linked to cottontail papillomavirus (CRPV), a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Once infected, rabbits may develop horn-like tumors on their heads and faces.
Soon after, reports emerged of squirrels with pus-filled lesions lurking around Maine neighborhoods. Though their appearance caused alarm, experts believe the squirrels are suffering from squirrel fibromatosis — a viral skin disease caused by leporipoxvirus.
Despite the disturbing visuals, wildlife officials stress that these conditions pose no threat to humans, pets, or birds. A representative from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife told the Bangor Daily News that the infected animals, while unsettling to look at, are not dangerous and typically survive without intervention.
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