White Squirrels are considered rare
We are asked the question all the time are white squirrels rare? The answer is yes white squirrels both the albino and the lecustic eastern gray squirrels are an oddity in nature and are considered rare. However if you live in one of the towns that are lucky enough to have white squirrels they seem common place.
Olney, Illinois is known for their Albino white squirrels and Brevard, North Carolina has one the largest leucistic white squirrel populations. Other areas that also have sizeable colonies are Kenton, Tennessee, Washington DC, Marionville, Missouri, and pockets throughout Canada.
Leucistic White squirrels are not a separate species of squirrel, but rather a genetic variation of the Eastern gray squirrel that is characterized by a partial loss of pigmentation in their fur. This variation is caused by a genetic mutation that occurs relatively infrequently in the wild, so white squirrels are considered to be somewhat rare. However, they are not endangered or threatened, and some populations of white squirrels can be found in certain parts of the United States and Canada.
Are White Squirrels at higher risk of being attacked by Predators due to their white coats?
It is possible that white squirrels may be more visible to predators due to their lighter coloration, which could potentially make them more vulnerable to predation. However, it is also possible that the opposite may be true, as white squirrels may be more difficult for predators to spot in certain environments, such as snowy or heavily wooded areas. In addition, white squirrels may have other adaptations that help them evade predators, such as quick reflexes, good climbing ability, and the ability to communicate with other squirrels to warn of danger. Ultimately, the impact of a squirrel’s coloration on its vulnerability to predation will depend on the specific predator and environment in which the squirrel lives.
What is the biggest predator of white squirrels
The biggest predators of white squirrels, as well as other squirrels, can vary depending on the location and habitat in which they live. In urban and suburban areas, common predators of squirrels may include domestic cats, dogs, and birds of prey, such as hawks and owls. In rural and wild areas, common predators of squirrels may include foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and larger birds of prey, such as eagles and falcons. In some cases, squirrels may also be preyed upon by snakes and other reptiles.
It is worth noting that squirrels use their keen senses, such as their sense of smell and hearing, to detect the presence of potential predators and take appropriate action to avoid them.
What do white squirrels eat?
White squirrels, like all squirrels, are omnivorous and primarily eat a diet of nuts, seeds, and fruits. In the wild, they feed on a variety of plant materials, including acorns, hickory nuts, beechnuts, and other nuts and seeds that they find in their environment. They may also eat berries, flowers, and insects, such as caterpillars and beetles, as well as occasionally scavenging for food. Squirrels are known to be opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide range of available food sources.
In urban areas, where they may come into contact with humans, white squirrels may also seek out sources of food that are provided by people, such as bird feeders or garbage cans. Some people also choose to feed squirrels intentionally, either by putting out food specifically for them or by simply leaving food outside. However, it is generally not recommended to feed wild squirrels, as it can lead to a dependency on human food sources and may negatively impact their natural foraging behaviors.
I saw a post in July where someone saw two white squirrels near Minneapolis. My daughter also saw two last year in Minneapolis suburbs. One at her house and one at work. At least one was albino.
Lonni,
Thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting.
-Squirrely
I just spotted a white squirrel in Middlesex Pennsylvania. He was beautiful, big and fluffy.
Sandy,
Thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting.
-Squirrely
We have an Albino squirrel in our backyard. It is one of a litter of six gray squirrels born this year . It has a pink eye and nose
John,
Wow, that is a lot of babies. Would you share with us the city and state, for tracking purposes. Thank you
-Squirrely
Had my first white squirrel sighting during my morning commute. Bounding across the road near Foggy Bottom in Washington D.C. Must have come into town to see the monuments!
Hi Hayley,
Congratulations on your white squirrel sighting. We have received several white squirrel sightings in in the DC over the past few years.
I just saw my first one in Clarkson Valley, MO after 60+ years of only gray squirrels.
Hi Robert,
Congratulations on seeing your first white squirrel and thank you for submitting your sighting.
-Squirrely
An albino white squirrel has been living in my back yard for the last 5-6 months. Montgomery County, Maryland.
Lee,
Thank you for letting us know.
I just saw a white squirrel on a walk for the 1st time! I’m from Buffalo MN.on September 1,2026.
Thank you for letting us know.
-Squirrely
We have a nice cluster here in Sellersville PA.
Schwa
Thank you for submitting your White Squirrel sighting
-Squirrely
Just saw a beautiful pure white squirrel for the first time. Breathtaking! Looked for info on the web and found this site. Awesome. The squirrel was seen in Waukesha County, Wisconsin.
Hello,
Congratulations on your first White Squirrely sighting!
-Squirrely
I have a white squirrel that lives in the woods around my house. I have several photos and videos of it. It is not an albino.
Linda,
What city and state did you have your white squirrel sighting? Thank you for reporting.
I saw a true albino squirrel (white fur with red eyes) on my run this morning in Mariemont, OH where I live. Mariemont is an historic planned suburban/community village with tons of large old trees, so we have massive populations of both the eastern gray squirrel and the eastern fox squirrel- but this is my first time in my life I’ve seen an albino squirrel. The squirrel was hanging out and eating in someone’s backyard. I was able to observe it for about three minutes. What a treat. It’s also my birthday, I will never forget this sighting!!!! What a treat!
Harlie,
Your area sound like squirrel heaven:) Happy belated birthday and thank you for reporting your albino white squirrel sighting.
I’ve seen two separate ones just sitting in trees here in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this summer. The most recent one was relatively fearless, I was able to get quite close to take pictures. These were albinos I guess with pink eyes.
Hi Benjamin,
Thanks so much for reporting your white squirrel sighting.
I have one living in my yard. I got close enough finally to see his eyes, and he is indeed an albino. St Louis Park MN
Lori,
Thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting.
I saw a white squirrel for the first time today in my backyard Haliburton Ontario…lived here for many many years and this is a first!
Carol
Congratulations on your white squirrel sighting. Could you tell if it was an albino (pink or blue eyes)?
We have a video of a white squirrel in Georgetown by the Waterfront taken yesterday June 25 2026.
Joni,
Thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting.
I was in front of Saint Mark’s Presbyterian church in Orillia Ontario when I heard a chewing sound at the top of a telephone pole. I looked up to see a total white squirrel clinging to the phone line chewing on a black coupler. It then came down the pole and ran across the church lawn.
David,
Thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting.
-Squirrely
Are white offspring more likely with a white parent? We were feeding one last year and this year we have three. We’ve seen a few around our neighborhood over the years but these seemed to have “moved in.”
Hi Douglas,
Two white parents will reliably produce white young. When a white squirrel pairs with a gray one, the outcome is less predictable. Researchers suspect the white coat color has a complex mode of genetic inheritance, and it doesn’t follow the simple recessive pattern seen in true albino squirrels elsewhere. If you want to dive into the genetics here is a link.
What city/state is your white squirrels located.
I have seen white squirrels in our town of Roebling, NJ for the last several years. The ones I have seen up close have pink eyes
Jean,
Thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting.
I just saw a white squirrel in my parents back yard here in Reidville South Carolina.
The squirrel is still a juvenile and stands out among all of the gray ones that live here. I guess my mom & dad who are now in their 90’s needed some extra love!
Carey,
Thank you for letting us know and congratulations on your young white squirrel.
Just saw a white squirrel living in my backyard and neighboring woods in New Jersey!!
Susan,
Congratulations on having one of these amazing little animals living in your backyard. They are fun to watch. What city in NJ do you live in?
We spotted one today in South Charlton, MA, while out on a bike ride. It was cool!
There are quite a few dark-eyed white squirrels here in Windsor, California. We lov3 them…but we also have a couple red shoulder hawks hanging around.
There is a family of the leucistic squitrels in Goose Creek, SC. I spotted 3 together today. I was told there are 2 nests/families of them in our area.
Christy,
Thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting.
Squirrely
I live by the airport in Nashville Tennessee and seen 2white squirrels together in my dad’s yard. My father passed away less than a month later! His guardian angels!
Brani,
Thank you for sharing.
Seeing even one white squirrel is rare but two together feels extra special. I’m so sorry about your dad and it’s moments like this, that stick with you.
I love the idea of them being his guardian angels and what a beautiful way to remember seeing your white squirrels.
-Squirrely
There is a white squirrel I’ve seen this year and finally got 2 pics of. Don’t think albino. Michigan.
We saw an all white squirrel in Pensacola FL today. It appeared to have dark eyes not red. We were able to get several pictures as it crossed the quiet neighborhood street we were on. It was with 3 other brown in color squirrels. It was happily eating and climbing trees.
Connie,
Thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting!
-Squirrely
Oh my gosh…just ran into this site. Was looking up what is good/not good to feed squirrels because there is a white squirrel – with dark eyes and plays with the brown/gray ones – that has been hanging around my yard and we *just* saw him/her and I am in Pensacola, FL.
White Squirrels like most squirrels love peanuts. But they should only be given occasionally as a peanut is a legume and sometime in big amounts can cause issues.
We have a leusistic squirrel in our neighborhood in Watertown WI.
Thank you for letting us know.
My niece and I were rollerskating on a Beltline around a golf course in Brookwood, Ga. We were winded so we stopped at golden hour to sit on a bench and I looked up at the golf course and I spotted across the sidewalk a white squirrel. I gasped and had no idea they existed or are as rare as they are! Got a 2 min video. My niece and I are over the moon!
Drew,
So glad you were able to see a white squirrel. It’s always a surprise when you see your first one. Congratulations!
I’m in Redding, CA and the southwest side of town has a bunch of lecustic squirrels. I see them all the time. They know they are special.
Heather,
Thank you for sharing your West Coast white squirrel report with us. We love hearing where these beautiful creatures are showing up!
-Squirrely
Saw one in my backyard yesterday! Maybe it’s the same one I saw last year. I am in Westport, CT.
EK,
Thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting. That would be fantastic if your white squirrel made a return visit.
-Squirrely
Spotted a Lecustic squirrel in prospect park Brooklyn today. Never seen one before, very cool
Grace,
Thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting and congratulations.
-Squirrely
There is a white squirrel that visits my fountain/bird and squirrel watering hole daily, sometimes multiple times a day in the winter. I cherish each visit/sighting!
Centennial, Colorado
Kate,
Thank you for reporting.
Saw my 1st white squirrel. In my front yard in Oakley, Michigan. Have several oak and hickory trees and brown, gray and black squirrels. A couple years ago had a black squirrel w tip of tail white.
Hi Karen,
We appreciate you taking the time to report your White Squirrel visitor. Sightings like yours help us learn more about where these unique squirrels appear. Please keep us posted if your white squirrel returns!
All the best
-Squirrely
Spotted a white squirrel at Tower Park in Vancouver WA.
Colleen,
Thank you for letting us know. We have not had a white squirrel sighting reported from Tower Park.
-Squirrely
We have albino squirrels in Overland Park, Kansas. They love feeding on my juniper trees.
Hi Gigi,
Thank you for reporting your albino white squirrel sighting.
-Squirrely
I live in Kettering Ohio, and have a white or albino squirrel that comes out of the woods behind the apartment buildings everyday
Hi Michael,
Thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting. We have received several albino white squirrel sightings in your area.
-Squirrely
I live in Seaforth, Ontario, Canada which is about 20 kms away from Exeter, Ontario which is a town known for their white squirrel population. About five years ago we noticed a white squirrel around our place and now there are many, we just saw a couple baby white ones this summer! They aren’t albino, no pink eyes or anything, apparently it’s a genetic mutation. They must be making their way out from Exeter to the surrounding areas now!
Rebecca,
Thank you for reporting your white squirrel sighting.
We have had a white albino squirrel in our yard this spring in Woodbury Minnesota. She is beautiful. We call her Sally.
Linda,
That’s so exciting—you’re lucky to have a Albino white squirrels in your area. They are incredibly rare, with their pink eyes and snowy fur. Thank you for reporting your sighting.
We’ve been fortunate to have a white squirrel live around our home for quite a while (St. Louis Park, MN). She just built a nest in our front yard. We watch out for her (we think her) and call her Nieve. It’s made me curious to find out about their habits, life expectancy, etc. Hopefully she will be around a while!
Thank you for reporting your sighting. Click here to learn more about white squirrels.
Today while driving me and my daughter saw a white squirrel with grey head run across the road.
Never knew white squirrels existed in uk.
Feel so fortunate to of witnessed this. This year has been a first for seeing the Aurora borealis and now a white squirrel wonder what is next.
I live in Westerville Ohio. I saw one white squirrel before Covid a few blocks from my home. The past month a white squirrel has taken up residence in my yard and in a very large maple tree in my front yard. Waiting to see if it has built a drey in the tree once the leaves fall.
Corrine,
Congratulations on your new resident!
Northfield, MN. 9/26/25. White squirrel dashed across our big backyard, I think pursued by a grey one. She was beautiful, silky smooth white fur. I don’t know about eye color; we were burying our little marmalade cat. It all happened too fast.
Joyce,
Thank you so much for sharing your sighting with us especially on a day filled with emotion. We’re grateful you took the time to report it, and your note helps us continue understanding and supporting these unique creatures.
All the best.
-Squirrely
Hello, checking in from Apple Valley, Minnesota over here; we have a single white squirrel that lives in our backyard- female. A few neighborhoods away there are a bunch that have lived in the area for decades! Usually around 10-12 consistently. So fun to see! I’ve lived in many places in Minnesota and haven’t seen them in most other locations in our state. There are also a couple small pockets of totally black colored squirrels in St. Paul.
Hi Jamie,
Thank you for checking in and for sharing your sighting.
White spuirrel spotted in Kissimmee Florida,in residential area. Beautiful!
My great grandchildren ,Arie & Xander, and I enjoyed watching an ALBINO SQUIRREL in our big tree
looking out their glass patio door. We watched for him or her all the time in a stretch of woods in
Middletown. Ohio
Around 2022.
My great grandchildren ,Arie & Xander, and I enjoyed watching an ALBINO SQUIRREL in our big tree
looking out their glass patio door. We watched for him or her all the time in a stretch of woods in
Middletown. Ohio
Around 2022.
Congratulations on your sighting and thank you for letting us know.
-Squirrely
I have a white squirrels living in my yard for the last several years in Cincinnati, Ohio. I do not see them anywhere else in Cincinnati
Misty,
Can you tell if they are albino white squirrels. Blue or red eyes? Most of the White Squirrel reported sightings from Ohio are Albino White Squirrels. Thank you for letting use know!
I live in Ringgold,GA, near the Chattanooga, TN area. There are three families of white squirrels in my neighborhood. Usually they are near the wooded section on top of the hill, but one was in my front yard helping herself to the bird seed in the birdfeeder. A few years ago, we had a grey squirrel whose tail was white for TBE last 2 inches. We called him Bobtail, for obvious reasons. These animals all have brown eyes and are stark white. Beautiful. I first saw a white squirrel in Hockessin ,DE, back in the early 2000s, but couldn’t get close enough to see eye color.
Cindy, thank you for reporting your sighting. They are beautiful creatures.
– Squirrelly
There was one white squirrel in the neighborhood several years ago and now there are several. Haven’t seen one anywhere else around here.
Rochester, NY