White Squirrels

A Global Guide to Leucistic White Squirrels, Sightings, and Conservation

What Is A White Squirrels?

Albino White Squirrel

Leucistic vs Albino White Squirrels

Not all white squirrels are the same. Two different genetic conditions can produce squirrels with white fur: leucism and albinism. Although they may appear similar at first glance, these conditions affect pigmentation in different ways.

Leucistic Squirrels

Most white squirrels seen in the wild are leucistic. Leucism is a genetic condition that reduces pigmentation in the fur while leaving the eyes and other tissues with normal coloration. As a result, leucistic squirrels typically have:

• White or very pale fur
• Dark brown or black eyes
• Normal eyesight and behavior

Because their eyes retain normal pigmentation, leucistic squirrels generally have the same vision and survival abilities as typical gray squirrels. Brevard’s famous white squirrels are believed to be primarily leucistic eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis).

Albino Squirrels

Albino squirrels are much rarer. Albinism is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the body from producing melanin, the pigment responsible for coloration in fur, skin, and eyes. Albino squirrels usually have:

• Completely white fur
• Pink or red eyes
• Pink noses and skin

Because the eyes lack pigment, albino animals may experience vision sensitivity or reduced eyesight, which can make survival in the wild more challenging.

Why the Difference Matters

Understanding the difference between leucistic and albino squirrels helps researchers better document sightings and understand how these traits spread within squirrel populations. When people report white squirrel sightings, eye color is often one of the easiest ways to determine whether the animal is leucistic or albino.

In most cases, white squirrels observed in North America—including those in Brevard, North Carolina—are leucistic rather than albino.

Learn more about the science behind these animals on our Leucistic vs Albino White Squirrels page.

Where Are White Squirrels Found

Although uncommon, white squirrels have been reported in many parts of the world. Sightings have occurred across North America, Europe, and other regions where squirrel populations exist. In most cases, these animals appear as rare individuals within larger populations of gray or fox squirrels.

Because white squirrels are visually striking, they often become local curiosities when they appear. In some communities, sightings have even inspired local traditions and wildlife conservation efforts.

The White Squirrel Institute collects and documents sightings from across the globe to better understand how these rare animals appear and persist in different environments.

Click Here to report a white squirrel sighting

Brevard’s White Squirrels

One of the most well-known populations of white squirrels can be found in Brevard, North Carolina. The town’s white squirrels trace their origin to a pair introduced to the area in the late 1940s. After escaping captivity, the animals began breeding with the local eastern gray squirrel population.

Over time, the genetic trait responsible for their white coloration spread through the population. Today, Brevard is widely recognized as one of the few places where white squirrels can be regularly observed in the wild.

These unusual animals have become an important symbol of the community and continue to attract visitors, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Read the full history of Brevard’s white squirrels →
(link to Brevard history page)

Research and Population Counts

Understanding white squirrel populations requires long-term observation and community participation. The White Squirrel Institute supports research efforts designed to track squirrel populations, document genetic traits, and monitor how these animals interact with their environment.
One of the most important research efforts is the annual White Squirrel Count, a community-based observation program that helps estimate the number of squirrels living within Brevard’s study area.
By collecting consistent data over time, researchers and volunteers can better understand population trends and the long-term health of the white squirrel population.

Learn more about the White Squirrel Count →
(link to squirrel count page)

Global White Squirrel Sightings

White squirrels occasionally appear in many locations around the world, often drawing attention from wildlife observers and local communities. Because sightings can occur unexpectedly, public reporting plays an important role in documenting where these rare animals appear.

The White Squirrel Institute encourages people to report sightings of white squirrels from anywhere in the world. These reports help build a better understanding of how frequently white squirrels occur and where populations may be emerging.
Sightings submitted by the public contribute to an expanding record of observations that helps researchers study this unusual genetic variation.

Report or view white squirrel sightings →
(link to sightings reporting page)

Helping Protect White Squirrels

White squirrels are part of the natural diversity of squirrel populations and depend on healthy habitats to survive. Conservation efforts focus on protecting urban forests, supporting wildlife rehabilitation, and educating communities about responsible interactions with wildlife.
By learning about white squirrels and sharing sightings, people can help support ongoing research and conservation efforts.

Learn More About White Squirrels

This guide provides an overview of white squirrels and their global presence. To explore the topic in greater depth, visit the pages below:

• History of Brevard’s White Squirrels
• White Squirrel Sightings
• White Squirrel Count
• Frequently Asked Questions

Together, these resources help document one of the most unusual and fascinating variations in the natural world.

About the White Squirrel Institute

The White Squirrel Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study, conservation, and public awareness of white squirrels and other wildlife. Based in Brevard, North Carolina, the institute works with researchers, wildlife rehabilitators, and community members to better understand and protect these unusual animals.

The institute collects reports of white squirrel sightings, supports wildlife education, and promotes conservation efforts that protect squirrel habitats. Through research initiatives such as the White Squirrel Count, the organization helps document population trends and encourages citizen participation in wildlife observation.

In addition to studying Brevard’s well-known population of white squirrels, the White Squirrel Institute also tracks sightings from across the United States and around the world. These reports help build a broader understanding of where white squirrels occur and how genetic variations such as leucism appear within squirrel populations.

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