An Unusual Discovery
As I wandered through the lush greenery of Brevard, North Carolina, a flash of white caught my eye. There, playfully scampering across the forest floor, was a squirrel unlike any I had seen before – its fur was a brilliant, snowy white. This was my first encounter with Brevard’s famous leucistic white squirrels, a sight both rare and mesmerizing. Far away, in Olney, Illinois, another unique squirrel dwells – the albino white squirrel, equally captivating with its stark white fur and pink eyes. These two unique squirrel populations, each with their distinct genetic quirks, offer a fascinating glimpse into the wonders of nature.
Brevard’s Leucistic White Squirrels: A Genetic Marvel
In Brevard, the white squirrels are not albinos but leucistic, meaning they lack pigmentation in their fur but have normal colored eyes. This genetic condition, leucism, results in partial loss of pigmentation. Unlike albinism, it doesn’t affect the eyes or cause sensitivity to sunlight.
Brevard’s white squirrels originated from a pair of white squirrels brought to the area in the 1940s. Since then, they have become a symbol of the town, with an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 individuals, representing about 40% of the local squirrel population (according to Brevard College’s annual White Squirrel Research Institute census).
Olney’s Albino White Squirrels: A Rarity in Nature
In contrast, Olney, Illinois, is renowned for its population of albino white squirrels. Albinism is a genetic condition characterized by a complete lack of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. These squirrels have distinctive pink or red eyes and are more sensitive to sunlight than their pigmented counterparts.
Olney’s albino squirrels have been a part of the town’s identity since the early 1900s, with strict measures in place to protect them. As of the latest surveys, there are approximately 100 to 200 albino squirrels in Olney, making up a significant portion of the town’s squirrel population.
White Squirrel Behavior and Adaptation
Interestingly, both leucistic and albino squirrels exhibit similar behaviors to their pigmented counterparts. They have the same dietary habits, mating rituals, and social structures. However, their unique coloration does come with challenges, primarily increased visibility to predators and, in the case of albinos, vision problems due to the lack of eye pigmentation.
White Squirrel Conservation and Cultural Impact
Both Brevard and Olney have embraced their unique squirrels, turning them into conservation symbols and tourist attractions. These towns host annual festivals celebrating their white squirrels, which helps raise awareness about wildlife conservation and biodiversity.
Celebrating Nature’s Diversity with White Squirrels
The white squirrels of Brevard and Olney serve as reminders of nature’s capacity for diversity and adaptation. They are not just quirks of genetics but symbols of the unique and unexpected wonders in our natural world. As we strive to protect and understand these rare creatures, we also learn to appreciate the beauty and intricacy of nature’s design.
We have a at least 3 white squirrels (dark-eyed, not albino) who have made themselves at home in our backyard in coastal McKinleyville (Humboldt County) CA. They are attracted to both our black walnut and apple trees, and are quite busy stocking up for winter.
Marie,
Thank you for letting us know about your leucistic white squirrels! Our squirrels here are also busy preparing for winter, reinforcing their nests and gathering nuts. I find their seasonal preparations so entertaining to watch.
-Squirrely
We have had a small population of Leucitic white squirrels in Norcross, GA (just northeast of Atlanta) for over a decade at least. We lost my mom a few months ago and for the first time have one living in our yard! I choose to believe it’s a sign from spirit.
Susan,
What a sweet sign. Losing your mom and then having one show up in your yard for the first time that timing is no coincidence. Cherish every visit!
-Squirrely
I saw a white squirrel last week in Windsor, California. What a beautiful sight!!
Hi Babette,
We don’t receive many White Squirrel sightings from CA, thank you. They are beautiful to see scampering around.
-Squirrely
Today Sunday, June 6, 2026. FL. saw and video recorded a white squirrel. I have never seen one. Amazingly beautiful.
Congratulations and thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting. What city/town did you see your white squirrel.
I saw a white squirrel today with my son In Pensacola, Florida
Angelia,
Thanks so much for reporting your White Squirrel sighting.
-Squirrely
Babette Lynch,
I am looking for Carol,my childhood best friend and neighbor in Redwood City.I read Irene’s obituary and found your name. I loved Irene and Kenny.
I haven’t seen Carol for about 40 years and want to contact her before we get much older!
If you are a relative, please contact me. If not, excuse me.
Thank you!
Linda Pearson
…..Saw it today at Lakewood Meadows…. Posted video on fb.. Randystix…
Hi Randy,
Thank you for sharing.
-Squirrely
Came to this article after seeing a leucistic white squirrel at Fort Niagara in NY! So beautiful. I’m used to seeing black squirrels around Niagara so the striking white fur was a surprise! Both are a treat to see!
Thank you for reporting your sighting! Leucistic white squirrels are rare and always a surprise when they pop up in unexpected places. 🐿️👀
My husband and I saw a pure white squirrel in Hester Park, St Cloud MN today. I have never seen one before.
Hi Sandra,
Thank you for reporting your White Squirrel sighting. Could you tell if it was an Albino or Leucistic?
-Squirrely
I live in Nashville Tennessee and have had two in my dad’s yard. They came after they admitted him to Vanderbilt with terminal lung cancer. I’m believing they are his guardian Angels!!!
Brandi,
White squirrels have a way of appearing at just the right moments. Whether guardian angels or simply gentle reminders from nature, we truly believe they bring comfort, hope, and a little light when it’s needed most.
Sending you and your family peace during this time — and thank you for sharing with us.
-Squirrely
We have dozens if not more…all red eye albinos… across a 15 mile area, you can count 5-10 just driving down any street here. Some years there’s even more…
Lakeville, MN
We have one living in a tree in our garden here in Lincolnshire. We live on the edge of a village on a quiet road so doesn’t get seen by many. We have not publicised its presence except to you now to help keep him safe.
Spotted a white squirrel this morning frolicking on a lawn in East Hill, a neighborhood in Pensacola, Florida, across from Bayview Park on Bayou Tahar, that drains into Pensacola Bay. Photos to follow.
We are in Essex county, 14 Keystone Way, Andover, MA. Ballardvale is nearby and I have spotted them there and unfortunately became roadkill. We provide food (shelled corn, dried corn on cob, peanuts, unshelled, some walnuts and acorn which they don’t prefer.
The feeder is on a huge red oak along the woodline. There are 3 of them, can’t locate a drey.
This morning my wife returned from her morning walk and reported a white squirrel roadkill. I went to recover it, it is LEUCISTIC. I will take more photos.
Thank you for reporting and sad to hear that it was killed.
I took a photo of a white morph may 5, 2016 town of Brentwood ny…..he had a black spot on his head……….edward
Thank you for letting us know.