Squirrels come in a variety of colors across different states in the United States. The most common squirrel colors are gray, brown, black, and fox red. There are several key factors that influence squirrel color variation between states:
Geographic Location
The geographic location and regional climate plays a significant role in determining squirrel color patterns. Different subspecies of squirrels adapted to their local environments over time. For example, in the warmer southern states like Florida and Texas, fox squirrels have more reddish-brown fur. In the colder northern states, gray squirrels with thicker, grayish fur are more common.
Genetics
Genetics and evolutionary traits pass down different color morphs in squirrel populations. Some regions have higher frequencies of genetic mutations that cause melanistic (black) squirrels. The eastern gray squirrel has a genetic mutation that causes black fur, which originally appeared in Kent County, Michigan and spread through the state. Nearby states like Ohio and Indiana now have populations of black squirrels due to geographic expansion.
Diet
Diet and food sources can subtly influence squirrel fur color over generations. For example, fox squirrels in certain oak woodlands may consume more acorns that can cause more reddish fur coloring. Gray squirrels in spruce forests may eat more pine nuts resulting in slightly grayer fur blending into the trees.
Camouflage
Natural selection pressures favor squirrel fur colors that provide better camouflage in their environment as a survival adaptation. Tree squirrels that blend in better avoid predators and live longer to pass down their genes. In the deciduous forests of New England, gray and black squirrels camouflage well in the canopy. In the pine forests of the Pacific Northwest, darker brown and reddish squirrels blend into the bark and woods.
Regional Squirrel Colors
Here is an overview of the most common squirrel colors found in different regions of the United States:
| Region | Predominant Squirrel Colors |
|---|---|
| Northeast | Gray, black |
| Southeast | Fox red, brown |
| Midwest | Gray, brown, black |
| Southwest | Fox red, brown |
| Northwest | Gray, brown |
| California | Gray, brown |
As seen, gray and black squirrels are most common in the upper Northeast and Midwest. Fox red squirrels are frequently found in the Southeast and Southwest. The West Coast and California have more gray and brown varieties.
Urban vs. Rural Environments
There are also noticeable differences between urban and rural squirrel populations. Rural squirrels generally exhibit more natural camouflaged fur blending into their native environment. Urban squirrels in parks and cities tend to have more variation in unusual colors like white, albino, and piebald (black and white). This is likely due to interbreeding and less survival pressure in urban environments with fewer predators.
Key Factors in Squirrel Color by Geographic Region
Here is some more detail on how the local climate, habitat, and evolution in different regions of the country produce distinct squirrel colors and patterns:
Northeast
The cooler climates and temperate deciduous forests of the Northeast are dominated by eastern gray squirrels. Their trademark salt-and-pepper fur provides great camouflage in the canopy of oaks, maples, and other trees that drop leaves in the fall. Some isolated populations of black squirrels also occur, originating from the melanistic mutation. Reds and fox squirrels are rare due to the cooler weather.
Southeast
The warmer Southeast region has more ideal conditions for fox squirrels and southern flying squirrels. Fox squirrels thrive in the pine forests, swamps, and wooded wetlands of states like Louisiana and Florida. Their fur runs in hues of brown, orange, blond, and reddish. The reddish tones provide better camouflage in pine trees and blend in with clay soil. Southern flying squirrels also inhabit the Southeast, with brown-olive fur.
Midwest
The eastern gray squirrel remains the iconic squirrel of the Midwest. The mix of deciduous forests and urban parks provides ideal habitat. Melanistic black squirrels are common in certain areas of Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin. Some theorize these populations spread from the first recorded black squirrel in Kent County, Michigan. Fox and red squirrels appear along the southern edge of the Midwest region.
Southwest
Drier climates and pine-oak forests in the Southwest favor the fox squirrel. They have fur ranging from tawny yellow-olive to grayish brown. Abert’s squirrels are also found in this region. They have long tufts on their ears and whitish underbellies with brown-gray fur on top.
Northwest
The coniferous evergreen forests of the Pacific Northwest are home to different species like the Douglas squirrel. They have brownish-gray fur often with a reddish tone or black stripes. The reddish coloring provides camouflage in the pine trees and woods of the region. Flying squirrels are also present with brown-olive fur.
California
California has a mix of squirrel species due to its size and habitat diversity. Gray squirrels and fox squirrels inhabit northern parts of the state at lower elevations. The Sierra Nevada mountains are home to chickarees, also known as pine squirrels. They have gray fur with white undersides. California ground squirrels have more brown-gray coloring with flecks and patches.
Conclusion
In summary, squirrel fur color and patterns vary across different geographic regions of the United States due to evolution, camouflage advantages, genetics, climate, and other factors. Understanding the predominant tree species, terrain, and ecosystems of each region provides clues into why certain squirrel colors thrive there. While many associations between habitat and color exist, squirrels can still exhibit surprising variety even within the same state. Their adaptations remind us of nature’s creativity and flexibility in an ever-changing world.
