Warty Squirrels Are Freaking Out New Yorkers This Year

Have you ever seen squirrels covered in warts? These strange squirrels have shown up in New York, but could appear anywhere that squirrels roam in the country.

New York squirrels are showing up with gnarly warts all over their bodies, and people can’t stop talking about the bizarre photos. It’s a strange sight and not something you expect to see on one of the cutest furry creatures to roam in neighborhoods and wooded areas. Here’s what’s actually happening with these unfortunate rodents and why you shouldn’t panic if you spot one in your backyard.

What’s wrong with these squirrels?

Gray squirrels have been photographed across the northern part of the United States and Canada with oozing sores, hairless patches, and what appear to be warts growing out of their fur and skin. This has caused many online users to wonder if these creatures are suffering from a disease that might spread to humans. These creatures almost appear to be close to death, which has led to them being called “zombie squirrels” because of the strange sores. Some wildlife experts claim the animals suffer from fibromatosis, which is a viral skin disease caused by leporipoxvirus.

How does this disease spread?

The warty squirrels are suffering from a skin disease, which is pretty easy for them to contract and get from other squirrels. All it takes is direct contact between healthy squirrels and the lesions or saliva of infected animals. This mimics the way herpes is transmitted between humans. This virus isn’t as common in North America as it is in the UK, where it’s known to affect red squirrels and be fatal in the creatures. The virus leads to the wart-like tumors that ooze fluid.

Will the squirrels die from this disease?

Although the disease is known to be deadly to red squirrels in the UK, it’s not always fatal and can often clear up on its own in gray squirrels. In some of the most severe cases, the growths can affect internal organs and lead to the death of the animals. Some of the squirrels that have been photographed this year could be in danger. Some are covered in the oozing warts and sores caused by this disease. At the very least, it’s turning the cute and furry creatures of the woodlands into walking nightmares that are freaking out some of the people who share spaces with them.

Could humans or other animals contract this disease from the squirrels?

Warty squirrels look terrible and certainly appear to be frightening. Calling them zombie squirrels isn’t a bad thing to call them at all, considering their appearance. The major concern with these creatures is whether or not they pose a threat to others around them. People don’t need to worry about these strange-looking squirrels; the disease cannot be transmitted to humans, pets, or birds, which should allow those who have been concerned for their safety to be a little calmer knowing they aren’t in any danger.

Should people try and intervene?

Despite this being a virus that can be spread through saliva, it can only be transmitted from one squirrel to another. This can happen when squirrels eat seeds from bird feeders or other food they gather. Despite the awful appearance and a desire to possibly bring the animals to a veterinarian to have them treated, the best thing people can do is leave the squirrels alone. These are wild animals and might attack or bite if you attempt to handle them. Even catching them in a trap could lead to potential danger for people who are near the creatures.

How long does this virus take to run its course?

The disease contracted by these warty squirrels will likely be gone within a short period of time. The virus takes about eight weeks to clear up but sometimes can be less time than that. These warts, although awful to look at, are a natural part of squirrel life and will run their course and be gone in a short time. While some animals will die from the disease, it’s likely to be a small percentage of the squirrels affected by the virus.

Another concerning animal disease spotted

The strange-looking squirrels with the warts on them bring about an opportunity for people to learn about a disease that impacts these animals. Another animal virus outbreak is causing concern in Colorado. Some cottontail rabbits have been known to grow black, tentacle-like spikes on their heads. This disease is a bit different and can cause problems for people who are being warned to steer clear of the animals presenting this mutation.

This disease is called bunny blight, but it’s actually a disease known as cottontail papilloma virus, which is also known as Shope papilloma virus.

What should you do if you see a warty squirrel?

If you see a squirrel that looks like it’s covered in warts and sores, the best thing to do is to leave it alone and let it be. Take photos and share them with your friends and family if you want to, but there’s nothing you can or should do for the squirrel. There’s a good chance the next time you see it, there won’t be any more warts on the animal.