Wildlife lesions prompt official guidance

Officials explain a wildlife virus causing skin lesions in deer and squirrels seen across several states.

Mutant deer and zombie squirrels alarm residents with bizarre lesions

Across several states this summer, photos of deer with clusters of warts and squirrels with similar growths have circulated on social media. Officials say the cases involve deer cutaneous fibroma, commonly called deer warts, and a related condition in squirrels known as squirrel fibromatosis. The viruses behind these conditions are species specific and not known to infect humans. Insects such as mosquitoes and ticks help spread the viruses among wildlife, especially in warm months when these pests are active.

Officials from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife note that papillomatosis is expected to rise in late summer and fall due to higher biting insect activity. They stress there is no evidence that people can catch the virus from deer or squirrels, and emphasize safe distances and not handling or feeding sick animals. Wildlife health agencies are monitoring outbreaks and will share verified updates as data comes in.

The spread of striking wildlife images online shows how quickly sensational pictures can shape public perception. This piece highlights the science behind the illness while avoiding alarm, but it also underlines the risk of misinformation when dramatic posts outpace official messaging. As climate patterns shift insect activity, wildlife agencies face greater pressure to communicate clearly and maintain public trust. The episode serves as a reminder that health in the wild matters, even when it does not threaten people directly.

Longer term, the incident spotlights the budget and capacity challenges in wildlife surveillance. If more cases appear, agencies will need resources to test and track disease spread, explain findings to non-experts, and determine any broader ecological impact.

Highlights

Officials will continue to monitor wildlife health and share factual findings as they become available.