An animal rescue center in Virginia has urged people to think twice before rushing to help squirrels covered in strange skin lumps, warning that what looks like a disease is often a parasite at work.
Just days after rabbits with bizarre horn-like growths went viral in the US, a fresh wildlife warning has been issued; this time about squirrels with swollen bumps protruding from their fur. While it might look alarming, experts say it’s not a sign of overeating or injury, but rather the work of a parasite called a botfly.
Evelyn’s Wildlife Refuge, a non-profit organization in Virginia, has been issuing annual warnings on Facebook as autumn approaches, a season when squirrel sightings spike. The group explained that squirrels sometimes carry botfly larvae, which tunnel beneath the skin and cause large, swollen protrusions that can make the animals appear diseased or severely ill.
Botflies are part of the Oestridae family and can target a wide range of hosts. While squirrels are among the most visible victims, other animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, raccoons, and chipmunks can also become infected.
The infestation begins when a botfly lays its eggs on an animal’s fur. When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the skin or enter through the nose or mouth, per For Fox Sake Wildlife Rescue.
Once inside, they begin to grow, forming the lumps that horrified onlookers often spot from a distance. After the larvae reach maturity, they push their way out of the host’s body and drop to the ground, where they bury themselves in the soil before emerging as adult flies.
It sounds grisly, but experts stress that botflies don’t usually kill their hosts. Most animals can survive the ordeal, though the presence of the larvae can cause obvious discomfort and distress.
The real danger, according to Evelyn’s, comes when well-meaning people try to remove the parasites themselves. In its latest Facebook post, the center stressed:
“Only skilled rehabbers or vets should attempt to extract bots. If the larvae’s body is compromised inside the host, anaphylactic shock and possible death is possible. These guys have something like legs that will ‘dig in’ the host in an effort to prevent removal. Caution should still be exercised during removal even if the bot is dead.”
The rescue group also took the opportunity to clear up confusion between botfly infestations and another condition, squirrel pox. The latter is a virus that spreads between squirrels, often at feeders, and results in smaller bumps across the body. Unlike botfly lumps, squirrel pox generally resolves on its own over time.
For now, experts are urging anyone who encounters lumpy-looking wildlife to resist the urge to intervene. Instead, they advise calling a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian who has the right training to handle the situation safely.
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