[DoughtyOne]

Fleas have been carriers of the plague for a long time. Ground squirrels are the hosts.

While this sounds bad, the plague is now treatable with current antibiotics. A two week regimen and you’re okay.

It’s not a serious threat unless a person refuses to go in and get treated.

[shibumi]

"You know, there's a lot of misunderstanding about rats.
The rodendus vermikitis as they're called in Latin.
It turns out our long tailed friend wasn't after all responsible
for the dreaded bubonic plague as alleged through history.
Yes, sir. It was caused by an animal called the bubon.
That's right, and the threat by the way is still with us.
So if anyone does see a bubon, contact your local authorities."

Perhaps there is a bubon infestation in the Southwest?
Bubons dressed up and masquerading as squirrels?