Originally Posted by
Devilwin
Scientists believe that the eastern gray squirrel was much darker when the first Europeans landed on these shores. The forest canopy was dense, and much of the forest floor was in deep shadow. As the forests were felled, the squirrels adapted by growing lighter coats. Some populations still retain the original dark coats.
These should not be confused with the black phase of the southeastern fox squirrel, which is a much larger creature with a white mask.
The white squirrels came from a traveling show in the early 1900s that passed through Brevard, many of the white squirrels escaped. White squirrels have spread to other areas of the state. Since the white squirrels and the all black ones are gray squirrels, they would have the same flavor..
Why did I find myself reading this using my "inner" David Attenborough voice?
"That young man has an extra step on his ladder the rest of us just don't have."