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What kind of squirrel is this. #777834

Asked November 15, 2021, 11:27 AM EST

This squirrel was in my yard. Never seen it before or again after taking these pictures. What kind is ?

Ingham County Michigan

Expert Response

This is an eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger). This individual is expressing a genetic trait called piebaldism. It is similar to albinism and amelanism where an animal's fur lacks pigmentation. However, piebald animals typically only have patches of fur/skin that lack pigment, giving them a strange mottled appearance.

Here are a few articles I found that discuss this rare occurrence in fox squirrels and other animals.

https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2008/02/24/Five-questions-on-piebaldism-with-Jerry-Feaser-Pennsylvania-Game-Commission/stories/<personal data hidden>3

https://dfwurbanwildlife.com/2015/03/17/chris-jacksons-dfw-urban-wildlife/fox-squirrel-oddities/


Thanks for sharing this cool observation and hope this information helps!

Clay Wilton (he/him) Replied November 15, 2021, 12:11 PM EST
Thank you so much. Have a great day 

On Mon, Nov 15, 2021, 12:11 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied November 15, 2021, 12:14 PM EST

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