Recent photos of deer with disturbing black growths have sparked concern across the U.S., with social media users calling them “mutant deer.” These images, shared from states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, have triggered fears of a new wildlife health crisis.
However, wildlife experts clarify this is not a new or mysterious condition. The growths are caused by a well-known virus called deer fibroma, a species-specific papillomavirus that only affects deer.
The virus causes firm, dark, hairless warts of varying sizes on a deer’s skin. While the appearance is alarming, it is not related to more serious diseases like chronic wasting disease. The condition is typically benign.
