White Squirrels of North America

Squirrels are common residents of the United States and Canada who are one of the most liked and adored rodents of North America. This may have something to do with their attentive, inquisitive and active habits.

What we normally think of when we think of squirrels are tree dwelling gray or reddish mammals. Rarely do we imagine their cousins, the ground squirrels (Prairie dogs) or marmots, even though they are in the same family. Nor do we think of squirrels as white! But, there are many places around the country that have white or albino squirrel populations. The above video is from Marionville, MO (contact marksilpro@yahoo.com if you'd like to see a longer video (he sells one).

Seen a White or Albino Squirrel? ... Mark it on the map and join the community!

Major places that have white squirrels are:

• Marionville, Missouri (read)
• Brevard, North Carolina
• Olney, Illinois
• Kenton, Tennessee
• Northern Keys, Florida
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Exeter, Ontario Canada (web)

Have you seen a White Squirrel?
Keep your eyes open because there are lots of places where you can find this rare squirrel variety. We have started a map where visitors that have seen a white squirrel can map it. We want to start a community of white squirrel enthusiasts. Join and tell us where to find these animals!

Adaptations for Squirrels in Deciduous Forests:
Most squirrels are gray or red, an adaptation that allows them to blend in to the surrounding vegetation. Tree trunks are usually a dark color and the mottled gray color of the common forest squirrels (like the Eastern Gray Squirrel photo below). However, several towns across america have claimed to have a large population of white squirrels. How could this be if it is advantageous to blend in with the tree trunks to hide from predators?

This is a case of classic natural selection, the driving force behind evolutionary change. Evolution by definition is the changing of the genetic makeup of a population over time. The trait for being white is a genetic anomalie that is usually weeded out because they are so quickly seen by predators. But today we have a different predator: humans.

Many towns have proclaimed to be the "Home of the White Squirrels," and as a result have started trapping and removing their darker brothers and sisters. What a great example of natural selection that has quickly created a dominant squirrel population that is white.

However, there are other places around the country where white squirrels are popping up and it may not be a result of humans trapping the squirrels. Many places have white stone and white buildings of which white squirrels would be highly adapted too. This small advantage may allow white squirrel populations to spread.

But, today squirrel populations are still mostly dark. It is a very special thing to see a white squirrel. If you've seen a squirrel in your neighborhood we are starting a database. Please email rob(at)explorebiodiversity.com with your sighting so that we can compile a map of all these squirrels around the country.

White Squirrel Links

• Roadside America "White Squirrel Wars"
• White Squirrel Research Institute
• Albino squirrels in the UK
• The Spawn of Whitey! - Fresno Californian white squirrel

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