Recent images circulating on social media have shown deer with unusual black growths on their bodies, raising alarm among viewers. These photos, shared from various states including Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, have led some users to describe the animals as “mutant deer.”

The visual impact of the growths has sparked widespread concern, with people speculating about a potential wildlife epidemic. Social media platforms have amplified these fears, with users questioning whether a new disease is threatening deer populations across the country.

Despite the alarming appearance of these growths, wildlife experts are urging the public to remain calm. They explain that the condition shown in the images is not new, nor is it a mystery to science. It’s a well-documented condition caused by a virus known as deer fibroma.

Deer fibroma is a species-specific papillomavirus, meaning it affects only deer and poses no known risk to humans or other animals. The virus leads to the formation of dark, firm, and hairless warts that can appear anywhere on the deer’s skin.

Although the fibromas may appear frightening or grotesque, experts emphasize that the condition is typically benign. In most cases, the growths do not cause significant harm to the deer unless they interfere with sight, eating, or movement.

Importantly, this condition is not linked to chronic wasting disease or other serious health threats facing deer populations. Wildlife authorities advise the public to rely on verified information and not let the unusual look of these fibromas cause unnecessary panic.