“Zombie Squirrels” Spotted Across the U.S.—But Wildlife Experts Say There’s No Need to Panic

If you’ve looked out your kitchen window lately and thought one of the neighborhood squirrels had wandered out of a horror movie, you’re not alone.

Wildlife officials say reports of so-called “zombie squirrels” have been increasing in several states, including Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, and parts of the Midwest. Homeowners have been posting photos online showing squirrels with frightening wart-like growths, patchy fur, swollen faces, and skin lesions that make the normally cute backyard acrobats look almost unrecognizable.

The alarming appearance has led many people to wonder whether a new disease is spreading through the squirrel population.

Fortunately, experts say that’s not exactly the case.

According to wildlife biologists, the animals are suffering from squirrel fibromatosis, a viral disease caused by a member of the poxvirus family. While the large tumors can look disturbing—and in some cases appear to ooze or bleed slightly—the disease is generally not fatal. Most healthy squirrels recover on their own within several weeks or a couple of months.

Even better news for homeowners: experts say the virus is not known to infect humans, dogs, cats, or birds.

Researchers believe bird feeders may unintentionally help spread the disease because infected squirrels often climb onto feeders, leaving saliva or other bodily fluids behind. Other squirrels visiting the same feeder can then become infected. Wildlife officials say there’s no reason to remove feeders altogether, but they recommend cleaning them regularly to reduce the chances of spreading disease among backyard wildlife.

The strange-looking squirrels have generated thousands of comments across social media, where many people admitted they had no idea such a condition even existed.

One homeowner posted:

“I thought I was looking at a mutant squirrel from a science-fiction movie.”

Another wrote:

“The poor little guy looked like he’d lost a fight with a lawn mower.”

One commenter joked:

“First it was murder hornets… now zombie squirrels. Nature really needs a new screenwriter.”

Perhaps the funniest observation came from someone who wrote:

“Even the squirrels are having a rough year.”

Wildlife experts stress that, despite their appearance, infected squirrels usually continue behaving normally—running through trees, raiding bird feeders, burying acorns, and generally acting like squirrels. The disease mostly affects their skin and appearance rather than their ability to survive.

Officials advise people not to approach or attempt to rescue affected squirrels. Instead, simply observe them from a distance and allow nature to take its course.

So, if one of these unfortunate-looking visitors shows up in your backyard, don’t panic. It isn’t the squirrel apocalypse—just one of nature’s less photogenic moments. And with a little time, many of these furry neighborhood residents will likely be back to looking like their healthy, bushy-tailed selves.