Lesion-covered squirrels with potentially life-threatening virus popping up in backyards across US - FOX Weather

00:38 FILE: Rare albino deer spotted on doorbell camera in St. Louis suburb The deer was caught enjoying a late-night snack in Arnold, Missouri on Friday, May 23. The deer was joined by a few of it's non-albino friends.  Squirrels covered in wart-like growths are showing up in backyards in several states with a virus that can be fatal in some cases. Photos of these squirrels have circulated on social media, with residents expressing concern that the warts could be contagious to their pets or harm other wild animals. Phlox, wet, after coming into Halfway Home Wildlife Rehab and receiving some care. (Theresa Carroll/Halfway Home WIldlife Rehab / FOX Weather) The virus is called squirrel pox or squirrel fibroma, and it originated in the United Kingdom and is fatal to red squirrels. WHAT IS YOUR STATE ANIMAL? SEE THE OFFICIAL LIST FEATURING ALL 50 STATES Squirrel pox presents as hairless tumors that grow on the skin of fox and gray squirrels. The tumors can be on any part of the squirrel's body. Phlox, the gray squirrel affected by squirrel pox, with warts all over her face a body.  (Theresa Carroll/Halfway Home WIldlife Rehab / FOX Weather) Laurie Brown, wildlife research technician with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, said the fibromas typically resolve on their own. But in severe cases, these growths can interfere with a squirrel's ability to eat, see or move, which can lead to starvation and increased risk of predation, often times becoming fatal. READY FOR A HUNT? YOU COULD WIN MONEY FOR HUNTING THESE INVASIVE SNAKES DURING ANNUAL CHALLENGE One possible instance of this happened in Ashtabula, Ohio, in late May, when resident Jessie Crislip discovered a squirrel with lesions all over its head and eyes in her yard. Squirrel affected with squirrel pox discovered in Ashtabula, Ohio, on May 25, 2026.  "That poor squirrel suffered," Crislip said, sharing photos of the animal. Brown said squirrel pox is related to other poxviruses that affect rabbits and deer. SEE IT: HAMMERHEAD SHARK SPOTTED OFF LONG ISLAND COAST AS SCORCHING HOLIDAY HEATWAVE GRIPS EASTERN US next Image 1 of 4 Top view of Phlox's body as she was recovering.  (Theresa Carroll/Halfway Home WIldlife Rehab) prevnext Image 2 of 4 Warts covered Phlox's body when she came into care.  (Theresa Carroll/Halfway Home WIldlife Rehab) prevnext Image 3 of 4 Phlox at Halfway Home Wildlife Rehab.  (Theresa Carroll/Halfway Home WIldlife Rehab) prev Image 4 of 4 Phlox's face covered in warts from squirrel pox.  (Theresa Carroll/Halfway Home WIldlife Rehab) Theresa Carroll is the owner of Halfway Home Wildlife Rehab based in Livonia, Michigan, and she has now cared for three different squirrels impacted by squirrel pox. Phlox, a gray squirrel, came to her in early June covered in warts from squirrel pox. Phlox's head the day she was released from Halfway Home Wildlife Rehab.  (Theresa Carroll/Halfway Home WIldlife Rehab / FOX Weather) Phlox was released from her care in late June after showing significant recovery. Carroll said she treated another squirrel with the virus in 2025 named Maxine. Maxine was a fox squirrel in similar condition to Phlox. She was released after nearly a month. NOT ALL BAD: CYBORG COCKROACHES COULD ONE DAY HELP SAVE LIVES Maxine's body covered in warts from squirrel pox. (Theresa Carroll/Halfway Home WIldlife Rehab / FOX Weather) She said treatment is given in the form of immune support, until the squirrels show signs of recovery, then they are released. Maxine with squirrel pox all over her face.  (Theresa Carroll/Halfway Home WIldlife Rehab / FOX Weather) Bugsy is a gray squirrel currently in her care. She said he is eating and making slow progress toward release. Squirrel pox is more likely to infect young squirrels like Maxine. 3 ALLIGATOR ENCOUNTERS TURN VIOLENT IN WEEK'S SPAN, LEAVING ONE WOMAN DEAD IN FLORIDA "Transmission occurs through biting insects, such as mosquitos, which is the primary route of transmission between squirrels," Brown said. She said other biting insects that can pass the virus include flies and biting midges. NOT ALL BAD: CYBORG COCKROACHES COULD ONE DAY HELP SAVE LIVES Brown said to combat the spread of squirrel pox to squirrels in your area, remove any standing water that mosquitoes may breed in. Maxine after recovering from squirrel pox.  (Theresa Carroll/Halfway Home WIldlife Rehab / FOX Weather) She suggested removing food sources to help cut back on contact with other squirrels. The virus isn't known to transmit to humans or other animals besides squirrels.