Albino Squirrels are not common at all so I took advantage of getting some images of one of two in Waukesha County when I had the opportunity. They are storing nuts for the winter and working on a nest too. I was a pretty nice morning with some sun, mild temps and low winds. Images were taken on November 20, 2019.
Albino Eastern Gray Squirrel
Scientific name: Sciurus carolinensis
Type: Mammal
Albino: Albinism, is a mutation on a gene that codes for pigmentation. Eyes are red in color on albino mammals.
Habitat: They prefer large areas of mature and dense woodlands.
Average life span in the wild: Adults can live to 6 years. Records that have been keep they may survive much longer.
Size: Bodies run 9.1″ to 11.8″ long plus the tail, tails averaging about 8″-10″ long.
Weight: 14-21 oz
Diet: Tree berries, buds, bark, nuts, acorns and seeds. They are also known to eat seeds at bird feeders and vegetables from gardens.
Range: Midwest to the eastern US and southeastern Canada.
What a beautiful squirrel running with a Walnut!
Thinking here on where to bury this nut…
Great presentation. Very attractive for predators, unfortunately.
Thank you for the pictures and knowledge.
A couple of weeks ago I tossed two walnuts from my balcony for the albino squirrels (there are two of them running around now) to play with…wondering what happened to them. Thanks as always for your many wonderful photos.