In recent months there has been a surge of photos showcasing different woodland critters ravaged with mysterious black growths, some appearing like bubbles, and others more tentacle or horn-like. This is a result of a type of papillomavirus found in their respective species. This virus is not transtted between species and these animals do not pose a threat to humans, all though, they have on occasion been known to cause an uptick of lyme disease in some populated areas.

These warty flesh lumps tend to be no more than a few centimeters in diameter and bare of fur. They spread from deer to deer and rabbit to rabbit by sharing the same sleeping or feeding grounds. At this time there is no real way to cure the animals of the affliction, if kept in captivity the growths can be surgically removed. Unless the growths are affecting the animals ability to eat, see, or breathe, in which case euthenasia may be considered, it is widely accepted that leaving the animal be is the best option as the growths tend to clear on their own and are generally not harmful.

It is not currently known what the increase of animal mutations can be attributed to, but climate change seems to be a likely candidate as it has also allowed for an increase in the mosquito and tick population. While pappillomavirus in animals has been around for as long as the 1930s, most people are not aware of its existence. However with the growing number of sightings of the affected animals, and coverage on social media, there is a lot more concern. It is not yet common knowledge that these animals are no threat. This virus is now becoming endemic when it hadn’t been previously.