‘Zombie squirrels’ sightings have been reported in Maine and Canada

• Sightings of “zombie squirrels” with bulging, hairless tumors have been reported in Maine and parts of Canada.
• These growths are consistent with squirrel fibromatosis, a common and typically non-lethal skin disease caused by a virus.
• The virus spreads through direct contact between squirrels or via biting insects, though the growths usually regress on their own within weeks or months.
• Wildlife experts confirm that squirrel fibromatosis is not transmissible to humans, domestic pets, or birds, advising residents to leave affected animals alone.
• The reports follow earlier sightings of “Frankenstein bunnies” in Colorado, which are rabbits affected by shope papillomavirus, another condition not harmful to humans or pets.

IN FULL

‘Frankenstein rabbits’ scare prompts new fears of ‘zombie squirrel’ plague