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