Photos have emerged showing bizarre cases of deer infected with a viral disease that’s transforming them into “mutants” with flesh bubbles growing out of their faces. The condition, known as deer cutaneous fibroma or “deer warts,” has been spotted in New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and other parts of the country.
The virus spreads through insects like mosquitoes and ticks, which carry infected blood to healthy deer. Experts warn that an outbreak is likely this summer due to increased insect activity during warm weather.
“It’s a common condition in deer, but we do expect to see more cases this summer,” said Dr. Elis Fisk, an expert at Washington State University. “Papillomas are most frequently seen during the late summer and fall.”
While there have been no reported cases of humans contracting plague from deer, experts note that other animals can transmit the disease.
The rise in mutant deer sightings comes as reports of zombie-like creatures, such as cottontail rabbits with horn-like growths on their faces, have also emerged. These bizarre images are drawing comparisons to the TV show The Last of Us.
Source: https://petapixel.com/2025/08/21/chilling-photos-show-mutant-deers-with-flesh-bubbles-growing-out-their-faces