How common are white squirrels and black squirrels? Or are they really just one of 50 shades of gray squirrels? The fox squirrel, also known as the Eastern or Bryant's fox squirrel, is the largest species of squirrel in North America. They weigh 1-3 pounds and are typically red, gray, brown, or occasionally black. Native to parts of Canada and Mexico as well as the eastern half of the United States, including Texas, Missouri, and Florida, and New York.
Black squirrel Melanistic eastern gray squirrel in Santa Clara, California. Black squirrels are a melanistic subgroup of squirrels with black coloration on their fur. The phenomenon occurs with several species of squirrels, although it is most frequent with the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger).
Easily identify any black squirrel! Our visual guide has pictures to help you tell the difference between all types, colors, & variations. All the squirrels that I am featuring today are Eastern Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis). Although my focus is going to be on unusually colored squirrels, lets start by taking a look at some normally colored ones.
I believe that these squirrels look gray because their fur includes a random mixture of black and white hairs. There are brown hairs, too, but the amount of brown varies greatly. Black squirrels are not a separate species but a color variant of some squirrels caused by interspecies mating and melanism.
They are rare, especially in the U.S., and have some advantages in terms of thermal regulation, predator avoidance, and road safety. Learn about the different types and origins of white squirrels, a color variant of the Eastern Gray Squirrel and other species. Find out how white squirrels are produced by genetic mutations or adaptations and where they are found in the wild.
Gray and red squirrels are common in the United States, but what about a white or black squirrel? Here's what to know about rare squirrels. Learn about the genetic condition, geographic distribution, and behavior of black squirrels, which are darker than gray or red squirrels. Discover how they adapt to cold climates, compete with other squirrels, and attract tourists and locals.
Learn how gray, black, and white squirrels are all eastern gray squirrels with different gene variations. Find out the difference between albino and leucistic squirrels and why they are rare.