Black squirrels are very common here.They are actually a melanistic subgroup of the eastern grey squirrel. Their black fur gives them a thermal advantage during our cold winters.
Awesome! I saw some black squirrels in one of the parks in NYC once. Someone told me they were not native and I think at the time there was just a small population in that one park.
Very nice photo, Belinda. They’re pretty squirrels. I just wish they didn’t kill our little red squirrels. They very hard on the red squirrel population. Nature doesn’t really have it all figured out.
If you look up Eastern gray squirrel on Wikipedia, you’ll see that they’ve displaced the European red squirrels in many areas. The black squirrel you have pictured is a member of the gray squirrel family.
This sure fits the description of “bright eyed, and bushy tailed”! 😀 I’m trying to recall if I’ve ever seen a black squirrel or not? I think I must have, but can’t recall it. Great image, Belinda!
Love seeing your black squirrels! They are not common in Maryland; but we’re told if we see one, it is likely a descendant from Canada. 🙂 I’d love to have black squirrels with my grays running through the trees!
November 13, 2023 at 1:43 pm
Awesome! I saw some black squirrels in one of the parks in NYC once. Someone told me they were not native and I think at the time there was just a small population in that one park.
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November 12, 2023 at 2:31 pm
Very nice photo, Belinda. They’re pretty squirrels. I just wish they didn’t kill our little red squirrels. They very hard on the red squirrel population. Nature doesn’t really have it all figured out.
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November 12, 2023 at 5:08 pm
I didn’t know that. I’ve often noticed our red squirrels giving chase to the bigger squirrels. I guess I know why now 😟
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November 12, 2023 at 6:27 pm
If you look up Eastern gray squirrel on Wikipedia, you’ll see that they’ve displaced the European red squirrels in many areas. The black squirrel you have pictured is a member of the gray squirrel family.
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November 12, 2023 at 11:34 am
This sure fits the description of “bright eyed, and bushy tailed”! 😀 I’m trying to recall if I’ve ever seen a black squirrel or not? I think I must have, but can’t recall it. Great image, Belinda!
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November 12, 2023 at 1:37 pm
You’re so right 😊. Thanks very much, Deborah!
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November 12, 2023 at 10:56 am
We see a few now and again… they are beautiful!
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November 12, 2023 at 1:31 pm
I like their glossy coats. Thanks, Eliza!
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November 12, 2023 at 8:39 am
Lovely photo Belinda, so cute! We have black rabbits here but they were likely escaped pets that are now breeding with the wild population.
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November 12, 2023 at 10:05 am
Thank you, Tone! We have a lot of cottontail rabbits here, they’re quite silvery.
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November 14, 2023 at 3:37 am
The rabbits don’t belong here and there have been several attempts to get rid of them.
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November 12, 2023 at 8:13 am
Love seeing your black squirrels! They are not common in Maryland; but we’re told if we see one, it is likely a descendant from Canada. 🙂 I’d love to have black squirrels with my grays running through the trees!
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November 12, 2023 at 9:59 am
Thank you, Donna. They’re cute little guys!
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November 12, 2023 at 7:50 am
You’ve this one with a lovely glint in its eye 🙂
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November 12, 2023 at 9:58 am
Thank you, Anne 😊
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November 12, 2023 at 3:32 am
He’s a very cute guy!
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November 12, 2023 at 8:14 am
I liked his direct look 😊
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November 12, 2023 at 7:24 pm
Definitely not shy. 🙂
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