What is black squirrel?

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Black squirrels are a melanistic subgroup of squirrels, meaning they have an excess of the pigment melanin. The specific species that exhibit this color variation depend on geographic location. Here's a breakdown:

• Species: In North America, the most common species to exhibit black coloration is the the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Black squirrels can also occur within Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger) populations, though this is less common. In the UK, black squirrels are typically Grey Squirrels that have the melanistic gene.
• Genetics: The melanism in black squirrels is often determined by a genetic mutation affecting the production of melanin. This can sometimes offer a selective advantage, such as increased camouflage in certain environments.
• Geographic Distribution: While black squirrels can be found in various locations, some areas have a higher concentration. For example, they are relatively common in certain regions of the Midwestern and Northeastern United States, as well as parts of Canada and the UK. Their population distribution can be patchy, with some areas having very few or none, while others have a significant black squirrel population.
• Appearance: Black squirrels are essentially squirrels of their respective species, but with black fur. They may have variations in the shade of black, ranging from deep black to brownish-black.
• Behavior: The behavior of black squirrels is generally similar to that of their non-melanistic counterparts within the same species. They exhibit the same foraging, nesting, and social behaviors.
• Conservation Status: Black squirrels are not a separate species and do not have a different conservation status than the gray or fox squirrels from which they originate.

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