Viral Outbreak Turns Squirrels into 'Zombie' Creatures in US Backyards
TL;DR
People in Canada and the U.S. are seeing 'zombie' squirrels with tumors caused by the squirrel fibroma virus (SFV), a benign poxvirus that mainly affects squirrels and rabbits. The virus, spread by insects and contact, causes skin fibromas but generally doesn't harm the squirrel population or pose a threat to humans, and infected squirrels are safe to eat. The appearance of these infected squirrels has led to concerns, but the disease is typically self-limiting.
- People Are Now Seeing ‘Zombie’ Squirrels in Their Backyards Gizmodo
- ‘Zombie squirrels’ covered in oozing warts spotted skulking through US backyards: report New York Post
- US Squirrels Hit By Viral Disease Causing Grisly Warts. Do They Pose Threat To Humans? NDTV
- Terrifying 'zombie squirrels' with oozing flesh pods on their bodies invade US backyards Daily Mail
- Experts send stark warning as 'zombie squirrels' invade back gardens and spread virus Daily Star
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