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White Squirrel
Sciurus
38.8898, -77.0453
Field Notes
Description:
Most so-called white squirrels in North America are genetic color variants of the gray species, not unlike the fairly common black squirrel. They breed normally and may have gray siblings. It is thought that the genes that normally produce a white underbelly in the gray squirrel are active in a wider area of their bodies, often leaving discernible gray patches on the spine and head. It is also theorized that the white coloration may even provide some kind of survival advantage in the colonies where they do thrive.
Widely separated white squirrel colonies are often traced to well-documented pet white squirrels that escaped into the wild.
Habitat:
Tree squirrels live mostly among trees, as opposed to other squirrels that live in burrows in the ground or among rocks. However, there is one exception to this rule, as physiological distinction does make a difference in regard to flying squirrels, who also make their home in trees, but have unique physical characteristics that separate them from their tree squirrel cousins (specifically, special flaps of skin that act as glider wings, allowing them to "fly").
Notes:
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 habit.
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. (http://www.thewildclassroom.com/biomes/speciesprofile/deciduousforest.h…)
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