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Black Squirrels Showing Up Where They're Not Expected

Black squirrels survive better in harsh winters because their fur retains heat. You might just spot one in Royal Oak.

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Beth Dalbey, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

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ROYAL OAK, MI – Something is happening to Michigan’s Eastern gray squirrel population.

More black squirrels than ever before are showing up in places like the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, Belle Isle in Detroit and other places in southeast Michigan.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Also on Patch

Squirrel experts explain the black color as adaptive evolution.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The black fur retains heat, making it easier for them to survive in Michigan’s often harsh winters. They’re naturally occurring in northern areas like Canada, and are almost never seen in warm Southeast climates.

They’re also easier to spot against the snow, making them more visible to predators.

“Black squirrels seem to be a little unique, and some people like them,”Department of Natural Resources Southeast Regional Wildlife Supervisor Tim Payne told the Detroit Free Press. “Black squirrels were not very common except for in certain locations. Now, as I travel about ... I see them in scattered areas.”

Tell Us

  • Have you seen a black squirrel in your neighborhood. Tell us in the comments, and post a picture if you’ve got one!

Read more about black squirrels on the Detroit Free Press.

» Photo by Robert Taylor (@boblink) via Flickr / Creative Commons

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