Multiple outlets report an increase in so-called “zombie squirrel” sightings in neighborhoods across the United States. The coverage describes squirrels appearing with visible, oozing sores and other signs of illness, which outlets attribute to infection by a “deadly virus.” The articles frame the trend as a growing public concern and use the “zombie” label to describe the animals’ distressed or abnormal appearance.
However, the provided excerpts do not specify which virus is responsible, where cases are located, how authorities are investigating the source, or what evidence links the outbreaks to a particular pathogen. The reports also do not give details on animal or human health risks, testing results, or confirmed cases versus unverified sightings.
Overall, the sources agree there is a noticeable rise in reports of sick squirrels with severe skin lesions across the country and that the condition is being associated with a deadly viral cause, but they do not provide further technical details in the supplied text.
