What Kind of Squirrel Has a Blonde Tail?
If you’re looking for a cute, furry friend that has a blonde tail, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll find information about the Grey squirrel, the Newborn gray squirrel, the American red squirrel, and the Fox squirrel. But what is a blonde tail? If you’re not sure, keep reading to learn more! Listed below are the differences between the four species.
American red squirrel
The red squirrel is a medium-sized, tree-dwelling rodent that is similar to foxes but has a different appearance. The red squirrel is predominantly chestnut in color with a white belly and eye ring. Its tail is short and bushy. Its red tail is more prominent than its gray and black counterparts. This species of squirrel is a solitary animal and only forms groups during its first 10 weeks.
The genetic basis for the blonde tail is a different story. While the American red squirrel is mostly red, some individuals are albino. Interestingly, the white squirrel is rarer in the US. It is estimated that twenty to thirty percent of red squirrel populations are albino. It is possible that the white coloration is due to an autoimmune response to an immune system disorder or a genetic recessive mutation. In some cases, the blonde tail is a symptom of a disease or a deteriorating immune system.
Grey squirrel
If you notice the unusual colouration of a Grey squirrel’s tail, chances are it is a ring-tailed variety. In fact, this phenotype has recently become more common in New York State. It is the result of an unusual mutation that affects the tail’s pigmentation. But what causes the reddish hue? Is it a gene or a combination of factors? It may be both.
A recent study by the University of Cambridge found that a gene responsible for melanism in a black Grey is also present in its white relatives. The researchers uncovered that a single mutation in a grey squirrel can cause the trait in other species. While this mutation is highly unusual, it may be the result of a natural selection process. A black Grey squirrel is a result of a mutation in the gene encoding melanocortin-1.
Also Read: What does a grey squirrel patronous mean?
Fox squirrel
Have you ever noticed that a Fox squirrel has a blonde tail? If so, you’re not alone! Susan Cira emailed me with an update on the squirrel with the blonde tail. Not only is the squirrel still alive, but her progeny also has a spot of blonde in its tail. Thankfully, the rest of the squirrel family isn’t bothered by this trait. In fact, the other squirrels seem to be completely oblivious to its presence!
The Fox Squirrel has a grayish brown fur coat, with orange hair along its belly and tail. While this coloration is relatively common, it does vary depending on its location. Some species are white-colored, like the Delmarva Fox Squirrel found in several eastern states. Others are black-tailed, like Sherman’s Fox Squirrel. It is the largest of the three species.
Newborn (neonates) gray squirrel
During the first year of life, a newborn gray squirrel has a white tail and is completely naked except for its whiskers. The dorsum darkens over the course of 710 days before hair emerges. By three to six weeks after birth, hair appears on the dorsum of the tail and ventral surface of the tail. At this time, the lower incisors erupt at 24 to 42 days. At six to eight weeks of age, the upper and lower cheek teeth emerge. At six to seven weeks after birth, weaning from motherhood begins. The animal’s body mass reaches an adult level at eight to nine months.
The coloration of the newborn is very different than that of its parents. While the adult gray squirrel has a dark brown or black tail, the newborn squirrel’s body has a light rusty orange or yellow color. The tail is often gray or brown. The baby squirrel has a white belly and legs, and is almost hairless. It is also spotted with a blonde tail.
Grey squirrel with melanism
A black and blonde tail can be found in one species of grey squirrel – the tan or ochre morph. A genetic mutation causes this color variation, known as melanism. Melanistic squirrels are mainly found in the northern half of the country, where habitat loss has resulted in the extinction of most natural habitats. But they also occur in urban parks and suburbs.
Red and grey squirrels are largely melanistic, but there are some regions where they are albino or white. The melanism in red squirrels is most common in Denmark, Scandinavia, and continental Europe, where Rainer Allgower studied a population in south-west Germany. Some populations in the UK also display a melanistic tail. But their presence in the UK has not been confirmed.
What is the most common type of squirrel in North America?
The Eastern gray squirrel is the most common type of squirrel in North America.
What kind of squirrel has a blonde tail?
The Eastern fox squirrel has a blonde tail.
Where do squirrels live?
Squirrels typically live in trees but can also be found in bushes grasslands and even urban areas.
What do squirrels eat?
Squirrels are mainly herbivores but will also eat insects and other small animals.
Their diet consists of seeds nuts fruits and bark.
How long do squirrels live?
The average lifespan of a squirrel is 6-10 years in the wild but can be up to 20 years in captivity.
How many squirrel species are there?
There are over 200 species of squirrels worldwide.
What is the smallest type of squirrel?
The African pygmy squirrel is the smallest type of squirrel.
It is about 5-6 inches long and weighs about 1 ounce.
What is the largest type of squirrel?
The Indian giant squirrel is the largest type of squirrel.
It is about 3 feet long and can weigh up to 2 pounds.
What is the difference between a squirrel and a chipmunk?
The main difference between squirrels and chipmunks is that chipmunks have stripes on their backs while squirrels do not.
How do squirrels mate?
Squirrels mate once a year typically in the winter.
After a 45-60 day gestation period the female gives birth to 1-8 young.
How do squirrels communicate?
Squirrels communicate through a variety of vocalizations including chattering whistling and barking.
They also communicate through scent marking.
What are some predators of squirrels?
Some predators of squirrels include snakes birds of prey and other small mammals.
What do baby squirrels look like?
Baby squirrels are born furless blind and deaf.
They gain their fur at about 3 weeks old and open their eyes at around 6 weeks old.
How do squirrels keep warm in the winter?
In the winter squirrels will huddle together for warmth and also use their tails as blankets.
How do squirrels stay cool in the summer?
In the summer squirrels will stay in the shade and pant to regulate their body temperature.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
