Why is a Gray Squirrel Black?
If you’ve ever wondered why a gray squirrel is black, you’re not alone. This article will explore how this melanism is influenced by Breeding, Diet, Habitat, and Adaptive melanism. It’ll also address the role of color in hunting and breeding. But before we get to that topic, let’s take a closer look at the first question – why is a gray squirrel black?
Adaptive melanism affects
The cause of adapted melanism in gray squirrels is unclear. It is thought to be caused by mutations in melanin receptor genes. These mutations occur locally in skin after migration. They result in nonfunctional melanin receptors or enzymes. The melanistic variant is recessive, meaning that only one normal gene is affected, while the leucistic variant requires a double dose of the normal gene from both parents.
Gray squirrels with melanistic coloration can also be white or have pink or blue eyes. However, this is much less common, and true albinos can suffer from impaired vision and increased risk of falls. While there is no scientific evidence to support the theory, recent studies show a significant decline in the number of Olney Illinois albinos. Hence, scientists are trying to determine the cause of this phenomenon.
Breeding
Researchers have long wondered if gray squirrels are black because they breed with white males. But recent research suggests that the reason may be genetic. The gene responsible for the black coloring of gray squirrels is identical to that of the fox squirrel, a native of North America and also with black-variant variants. To answer this question, scientists examined DNA from gray and fox squirrels. They found that the mutated gene contains several “signatures” of white. This means that the gene mutation in the gray squirrel probably originated in the fox squirrel and was passed on to the grey by interbreeding.
There are some advantages to black fur in gray squirrels. Their black fur helps them to maintain body heat better. In colder regions, this black fur can help the squirrels to survive the winter months. If this is true, then black fur would make black squirrels even more appealing to humans. The black fur is also useful for keeping the body warm in colder regions. In addition to enhancing the appearance of gray squirrels, black fur also helps them to breed with other grey squirrels.
Diet
A grey squirrel’s diet is very varied. Most of its winter diet consists of nuts, particularly beechnuts and butternuts. However, some species also eat pine seeds and buds. The eastern gray squirrel is also known to take advantage of bird feeders during winter. During the summer, they eat many different types of berries and wild fruits. They also eat peanuts, and they feed on the young and eggs of many birds.
Although both gray and fox squirrels are omnivorous eaters, they show some similarities in their food preferences. This is probably based on the rate at which they can digest their foods. The speed of digestion varies between species of nuts. The white oak and shagbark hickory species are digested faster than other varieties of nuts, and their lipid content is correlated with their energy content. This suggests that the differences between these two species are not based on food preference, but on niche characteristics.
Habitat
This species of gray squirrel is similar to the red squirrel, but slightly smaller in size. It grows to about 15 inches long, has a slim hull, and weighs between one and two pounds. Both species prefer oaks and hickories for their habitat. They spend most of their time in trees, but are rarely seen foraging on the ground, like fox squirrels do. They have one to two den trees, and rarely travel more than 200 yards away from these locations.
The gray squirrel is a prolific breeder and has litters as early as December or early January. The gestation period is around 29 days, though it may be shorter for smaller squirrels. Female gray squirrels give birth to two to eight young at a time. Kits are born blind and completely dependent on their mothers for about two months. They are weaned after seven to eight weeks. They do not travel farther than two miles from their home. Litters may consist of one or more squirrels, though two or three are the most common.
Predators
The reason for the difference in coloration is genetic. The black fur of a gray squirrel may have derived from a genetic mutation in the eastern gray. This mutation may have originated in fox squirrels. This gene might have moved over to grays through interbreeding. While the reason for the grays’ black fur isn’t completely clear, it is thought to be a product of genetic variation.
Eastern grey squirrels are named for their large bushy tails. The name combines the two words “skia” and “oura,” which means “tail.” Consequently, the eastern grey squirrel has many common names that draw attention to one prominent feature. These names are also derived from the Latin word squilla, which means “tail.”
What is the difference between a gray squirrel and a black squirrel?
A gray squirrel has gray fur while a black squirrel has black fur.
Why do gray squirrels turn black?
Gray squirrels turn black when they are exposed to certain chemicals such as those found in coal tar.
How long do gray squirrels stay black?
The changes in fur color are usually permanent although the fur may lighten slightly over time.
Are black squirrels more common in some areas than others?
Black squirrels are more common in parts of the United States such as the Midwest where there is a higher concentration of coal tar.
Do black squirrels have any advantages over gray squirrels?
Black squirrels generally have better camouflage in urban areas and are less likely to be preyed upon.
Are black squirrels considered to be a different species?
Black squirrels are the same species as gray squirrels but they are a melanistic form which means they have an excess of melanin.
What other animals can be black?
Other animals that can be black include skunks bears and raccoons.
Do all animals have black versions?
No not all animals have black versions.
For example there are no black lions or black tigers.
Why are some animals black?
Some animals are black in order to camouflage themselves in their environment.
Is black the only color that provides good camouflage?
No there are other colors that can provide good camouflage such as white and brown.
Do black animals blend in better in all environments?
No black animals may stand out in some environments such as a snowy forest.
Can black animals be easier to spot at night?
Yes black animals can be easier to spot at night because they absorb more light.
Are black animals more visible in water?
No black animals are not more visible in water because they absorb light making them less visible.
Can black animals be hard to see in shadows?
Yes black animals can be hard to see in shadows because they absorb light.
What other color can provide good camouflage?
Some animals are white or brown in order to camouflage themselves in their environment.
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.
