Black Squirrels: 6 Facts

     1. Black squirrels are also called melanized squirrels.

Black squirrels in North America are usually a dark morph of the Eastern grey squirrel or the fox squirrel. 

“Morph” is a way of saying “color variation” when talking about animals. 

     2. Most melanized gray squirrels are found in Ontario, Canada.

Melanized squirrels can be found in many parts of North America, but the largest populations are found in Ontario, Canada followed by Ohio, USA.

     3. Scientists estimate that 1 in every 10,000 squirrels are black morphs.

I would like to know who counted enough squirrels in enough locations for people to create this theory.

     4. Black squirrels might stay warmer than gray squirrels.

Scientists theorize that squirrels with black fur retain heat better than the lighter individuals. 

I didn’t see this claim on many sites. I would love to hear the opinion of a squirrel scientist or a scientist that specializes in mammalian body heat.

     5. Black squirrels have a reputation of aggression.

Plenty of sites claim that black squirrels are aggressive, but others say this reputation is undeserved. Until I can ask a squirrel scientist, it seems best to conclude that the answer is unknown. 

I do want to know how one determines the aggression of a squirrel. I wouldn’t want to antagonize one. Those things are fast!

     6. Black squirrels are omnivores, sort of.

Squirrels mostly eat seeds, fungi, berries, nuts, and other plant matter, but they have been known to eat insects, eggs, and smaller mammals.

In short, squirrels, including black squirrels, are scavengers who will eat all kinds of things, even if it’s not good for them.