Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Black Squirrel) with a red tail photographed in the Little Lake Park located in Midland in Simcoe County in Central Ontario Canada
Black squirrels are a melanistic subgroup of squirrels with
black coloration on their fur. The phenomenon occurs with
several species of squirrels, although it is most frequent with
the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Black morphs of the eastern gray are the result of an abnormal pigment gene.
Several theories have surfaced as to why the black morph
occurs, with some suggesting that the black morph is a
selective advantage for squirrels inhabiting the northern
ranges of the species, with the black-fur providing a thermal
advantage over its non-melanistic counterpart.
©Copyright Notice
This photograph and all those within my photostream are protected by copyright. They may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written permission
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Black Squirrel) with a red tail photographed in the Little Lake Park located in Midland in Simcoe County in Central Ontario Canada
Black squirrels are a melanistic subgroup of squirrels with
black coloration on their fur. The phenomenon occurs with
several species of squirrels, although it is most frequent with
the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Black morphs of the eastern gray are the result of an abnormal pigment gene.
Several theories have surfaced as to why the black morph
occurs, with some suggesting that the black morph is a
selective advantage for squirrels inhabiting the northern
ranges of the species, with the black-fur providing a thermal
advantage over its non-melanistic counterpart.
©Copyright Notice
This photograph and all those within my photostream are protected by copyright. They may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my written permission