Squirrel pox in backyards

Experts say squirrel fibroma is appearing in backyards and can spread through feeders and standing water, prompting guidance on safe wildlife care.

Squirrel Pox Reaches Backyards

Experts confirm a condition called squirrel fibroma, also known as squirrel pox, has appeared in several backyard squirrel populations in North America. Transmission is linked to biting insects and contact at feeders or contaminated surfaces. Juvenile squirrels seem more susceptible, and disease spread can be accelerated when animals gather at feeding sites.

Officials say the illness is mostly species specific and not common to humans or domestic pets. Most infected squirrels recover over time, but severe growths can hinder feeding, movement or vision and increase the risk of starvation or predation. Authorities advise reducing standing water to curb mosquitoes and cleaning feeders regularly to limit transmission.

The piece highlights how everyday backyard life intersects with wildlife health. It shows how social media can amplify concern even as experts emphasize measured responses. The central tension is between appreciating wildlife and recognizing our role in shaping disease dynamics through feeding practices and crowded habitats.

Policy and public guidance should focus on practical steps for feeders and education about how to balance curiosity with animal welfare. The story hints at a broader question: how should communities coexist with wildlife in suburban spaces without fueling unnecessary fear or risky behaviors?

Highlights

As communities share space with wild neighbors, informed guidance matters more than quick fixes.