Skip to main content
Close

Eastern Gray Squirrel (dark phase)

Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin

Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

40.7774, -73.9696

Field Notes

Description:

OK, I know its a squirrel, but which scientific and common name(s) is it known by?

Habitat:

Central Park, New York

Species ID Suggestions

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin

Comments (3)

I think it's because it is a mutation that is locally common in some populations (like wise the white mutation seems common in a few small populations). It is likely that most of the grey squirrels that were introduced to Europe were of populations that did not have this mutation... and considering the over all population of them, I'd say it's actually rather rare in the over all population. Kinda like how the population of the Kermode black bears have a fair frequency (1/10) of a white, non-albino mutation, but outside of that population, white black bears are rare.
Interesting - we have grey squirrels in Europe (Sciurus carolinensis), introduced from USA in the 19th century, but I've never seen a black phase over here. They have driven away most of the Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) from the UK but these are still plentiful in the parks near where I live in Spain.
We have these guys all over Michigan - they're the black color phase of the Eastern Gray Squirrel. I actually raised an abandoned youngster of this variety....they're fascinating animals!

Spotted for Missions

Photographed
PublishedFebruary 27, 2011

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon