Is it rare to see a black squirrel?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

Well, let me tell you about my personal experience with black squirrels. Growing up in North America, I had never seen a black squirrel until I moved to a new neighborhood. One day, as I was walking through a park near my house, I caught a glimpse of something unusual out of the corner of my eye. It was a black squirrel, and I was completely taken aback.

At first, I thought it must be a rare sighting or perhaps even a different species of squirrel altogether. But after doing some research, I discovered that black squirrels are indeed a variation of the eastern gray squirrel, which is the most common squirrel species in North America. However, they are considered to be quite rare, with some estimates suggesting that they make up only about one in every 10,000 squirrels.

The black coloration of these squirrels is due to a genetic mutation known as melanism, which causes an excess of dark pigmentation in their fur. This mutation is relatively rare in the squirrel population, which is why black squirrels are not commonly seen.

Interestingly, black squirrels are not evenly distributed throughout North America. They are most commonly found in certain regions, such as the northern parts of the United States and Canada. In some areas, they have become more prevalent, while in others, they remain a rare sight.

In my neighborhood, black squirrels have become somewhat of a local attraction. People are always excited when they spot one, and it has even become a bit of a competition to see who can capture the best photo of these elusive creatures. I have to admit, I have joined in on the excitement and have spent many hours trying to capture the perfect shot of a black squirrel in action.

While black squirrels are not unheard of in North America, they are indeed rare. With an estimated occurrence rate of one in every 10,000 squirrels, spotting a black squirrel can be considered a special and unique experience. So, if you happen to come across a black squirrel during your adventures, consider yourself lucky and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature’s rare and unexpected surprises.