Have You Ever Seen a White Squirrel?
While North America doesn’t have any native species of white squirrels, sightings of these rare creatures are still possible. If you’ve spotted an all-white or mostly white squirrel in the wild, you’ve witnessed something quite extraordinary. Here’s why.
Understanding White Squirrels in North America
Most of the white squirrels seen in North America are genetic color variants of the eastern grey squirrel. These unique coats are typically the result of one of two genetic conditions: albinism or leucism.
Albino Squirrels
Albinism is a congenital disorder characterized by a complete lack of melanin, the pigment responsible for coloration in skin, hair, and eyes. Albino squirrels have completely white coats and pink or red eyes due to the visibility of blood vessels.
Leucistic Squirrels
Leucism, on the other hand, involves a partial loss of pigmentation caused by a recessive gene. Unlike albinism, leucism does not affect eye color, so leucistic squirrels have white or patchy fur with dark eyes.
Unique White Squirrels
Some white squirrels don’t fit neatly into the albino or leucistic categories. For example, in Brevard, North Carolina, there are white squirrels with a distinctive gray head patch and dorsal stripe. According to Robert Glesener, research director of the White Squirrel Research Institute, this pattern seems to be inherited.
Where Can You See White Squirrels?
Eastern grey squirrels are a common species, so theoretically, white squirrels can be spotted anywhere within their native range. This includes the eastern and midwestern United States and the eastern provinces of Canada. However, certain towns are known for their white squirrel populations:
- Brevard, North Carolina
- Marionville, Missouri
- Olney, Illinois
- Kenton, Tennessee
- Exeter, Ontario
Brevard, North Carolina
Brevard has the highest percentage of white squirrels of any known colony, with almost one in three squirrels having white fur. This population traces back to a pair of white squirrels that escaped from a Florida carnival in 1949 and eventually bred in the wild.
Other Notable Locations
In Exeter, Ontario, many locals didn’t realize white squirrels were rare until new residents highlighted their uniqueness in the 1980s. Marionville, Missouri, Olney, Illinois, and Kenton, Tennessee also have notable populations of white squirrels, often originating from pet squirrels that escaped or were released.
Why Do White Squirrels Thrive in Certain Areas?
White fur can make animals more visible to predators and lead to social exclusion, which generally reduces their chances of survival. However, several factors help white squirrels thrive in specific areas:
Predator Recognition
There is some evidence that predators might not recognize all-white animals as prey, giving white squirrels an unexpected advantage.
Urban Protection
Large populations of white squirrels often thrive in urban areas where predators are limited.
Human Intervention
In many places, locals protect and value white squirrels, allowing these rare animals to flourish. For example, Brevard’s city council established a sanctuary for white squirrels in 1986 and celebrates them annually at the White Squirrel Festival (temporarily postponed). The city even conducts an annual White Squirrel Count to monitor their population.
Supporting White Squirrel Conservation
If a white squirrel captures your interest, consider supporting their conservation. In Brevard, you can "adopt" a white squirrel through the White Squirrel Research Institute with a $25 donation, which funds wildlife rehabilitation efforts in the area.
Conclusion
White squirrels are a fascinating and rare sight in North America, and their unique genetic variations make them stand out. Whether albino, leucistic, or uniquely patterned, these squirrels thrive in areas where they receive protection and admiration from local communities. Next time you spot one, remember that you’re witnessing one of nature’s rare wonders.
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