Amazing White Tailed Squirrel – 7 Things You Need to Know!
Have you ever seen a white tailed squirrel before? These little creatures are native to North America. They first appeared in Osage, Iowa. And they are absolutely adorable! These furry little creatures are so friendly and playful; they’re constantly putting on a show for onlookers. This blog post will discuss everything you need about a squirrel with a white tail. We’ll tell you about these fascinating creatures, from their dietary habits to mating rituals.
A Brief History of the White Tailed Squirrel
The white tailed squirrel is a native of North America. It’s believed that this squirrel appeared in the Osage, Iowa area around 300 years ago. They were first mentioned in writing in 1766 by French explorer Pierre-Charles Le Sueur. He described them as “about the size of a rat, with a long and bushy tail.”
Since then, these delightful creatures have become one of the most recognizable animals in the area. They can be found in wooded areas throughout Osage, and they’re especially common near rivers and streams.
1. Unique tail markings and patterns
The white-tailed squirrel stands out because of its unique tail. Unlike other squirrels, its tail is pure white. This rare feature makes it easy to spot in a crowd of typical gray or brown squirrels. The white color is the result of a genetic condition, not albinism, as these squirrels usually have dark eyes.
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I’ve read that this fluffy white tail can make the squirrel look bigger to predators. It’s like nature’s way of giving these squirrels a little extra protection. Their white tail can also help them blend into snowy environments, although they are mainly found in non-snowy areas.
In some areas, seeing a white-tailed squirrel is considered a rare and special event. It’s not just a small patch of white either—the entire tail is usually fully white. This makes them quite different from other squirrels which might only have patches of different colors. If you ever get the chance to see one, it’s definitely something to remember!
2. Are Squirrels with White Tails Rare?
Indeed, squirrels with white tails are not the norm. It is essential to know that this trait is not an indication of health or a sign that they are in any way different from other squirrels. A squirrel with a white tail can be healthy and strong!
There are some reasons why a white tail squirrel may be rare.
- White tails are only seen in certain parts of the United States and Canada. So if you see one, you’re pretty lucky!
- White tails can be caused by genetics, diet, and disease.
3. What Does It Mean When You See a White Squirrel?
Seeing an albino or all-white squirrel is often associated with bravery, resourcefulness, and the ability to react to changing situations. Since they are so versatile, they symbolize courage and resourcefulness, two attributes especially beneficial in difficult situations.
A white squirrel may symbolize peace and quiet, as well. Seeing one might signify that you are about to confront some challenging issues.
4. Squirrel With a White Tail – Diet
White-tail squirrels are mainly herbivores, meaning that they eat mostly plants. They will often eat nuts, berries, and leaves in the wild. However, they are not opposed to the occasional insect or two!
In urban areas like Osage, they often raid bird feeders for sunflower seeds. They’ll also eat just about anything people give them, including bread crumbs, popcorn, and marshmallows!
If you’re lucky enough to see a white tailed squirrel up close, you might notice that they have large front teeth. This is because their diet consists mainly of hard foods like nuts. Their back teeth are much smaller in comparison.
5. What Do White Tailed Squirrels Do for Fun?
For white tailed squirrels, life is all about play! When they’re not busy eating or looking for food, they love to chase each other around and play tag.
They also love to climb trees and play hide-and-seek. If you’re ever feeling low, watch these little guys. They will surely put a smile on your face.
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6. White Tail Squirrel – Mating Rituals
White-tail squirrels, like any other squirrels, put a lot of effort into finding the perfect mate, even though the squirrels don’t mate for life.
Male squirrels will often put on extravagant displays in an attempt to woo a female. They will chase each other around trees, jump from branch to branch, and even stand on their hind legs to show off their size.
Females usually choose the biggest and strongest male as their mate.
7. Squirrel With a White Tail – Habitat
Have you seen a fox squirrel with a white tail in Indiana? A fox squirrel with a white tail has been seen in the eastern United States, but they are not common. However, they seem to prefer areas with lots of trees like in Indiana. This is because they spend most of their time in the treetops!
White tailed squirrels will build nests, called dreys, out of sticks and leaves high up in the treetops. These nests are called dreys and provide the perfect place for a squirrel to curl up and nap.
Conclusion
The next time you’re out for a walk, keep your eyes peeled for a brown squirrel with white tail! These fascinating creatures make for a fun sighting. Be sure to share your sightings with us on Facebook – we love seeing pictures of your furry friends!
I’ve never heard of a white tailed squirrel until now. I have seen albino squirrels. The article is well written to keep your interest and learn something new!
Thanks, Sandy. I appreciate you supporting the Kitty City Squirrels website, and thank you for being a frequent reader and sharing your feedback. Much appreciated!
I saw one today but the tail was long and skinny with white rings. I had never seen that in my life, only brown, red or gray bushy tails. It was shocking!
Wow! Thanks, Josephine, for sharing the description of what you saw. There are so many different types of squirrels. I went to Washington state last month and saw my first Douglas squirrel in real life. They are small and feisty!
Thanks for supporting Kitty City Squirrels,
Maddy
? Awesome! Great article, this is the first time I’ve heard about white tailed squirrels. Any other areas where they might be seen?
I live just southwest of Indianapolis Indiana and we started seeing our squirrels had a white fur on about half of their tails. This started about 2 years ago. Jan
Hi Jan,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your neighborhood squirrels with white fur on half their tail. We would love to see a photo of the squirrels if you have a chance to send one! https://kittycitysquirrels.com/share-your-photos
Maddy
We have a completely white-tailed squirrel running playfully around our yard every day! We named it Tailsey 🙂
1st time ever seeing a squirrel like this. We live on Southeast side of Indianapolis.
It’s soo cute. My husband saw it playing with a baby rabbit the other day, chasing each other around a tree 🌳. He was so amazed!
Hey Mo,
What a great name, “Tailsey!” We think that is very fitting. Appreciate you supporting Kitty City Squirrels. If you ever get a picture give us a shout!
Thank you Cynthia, I learned a lot researching this information.
Maddy
Just saw one in Regina Saskatchewan Canada!!
Oh my gosh, Shannon….how amazing! Were you able to get a photo by any chance? We would love to see it.
Thanks for letting us know!
Maddy
Hi Cynthia,
How wonderful. Did you happen to get a photo? We would love to see it.
Maddy
I have one living under my shed, just outside Edmonton, AB,Canada, which is what brought me to this page.
Hi Bonnie,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. If you ever catch a photo of your little beauty, we would love to see. You can share your photos here: https://kittycitysquirrels.com/share-your-photos/
We appreciate your support by reading our articles!
Maddy
Thank you, Shannon for letting us know about your “renter” under your shed! I hope you catch another glimpse of the beauty.
Maddy
Hi Cynthia, check out this article
https://kittycitysquirrels.com/white-squirrels-of-kenton/
The squirrels were rumored to have been left by a traveling circus back in 1869, three years before the town was founded.
Maddy!
I was surprised last year while watching out my window to see a white tailed squirrel. It looked like someone had taken white paint and painted the tail white. I live in Stratford,Iowa. That was the first and last time to see it. I told my husband about it,and he thought that I was seeing things. To our surprise,we drove to Boone the next day (a town 14 miles away) and saw another one there! That was the one and only time for that sighting!
Hi Lola,
Thank you for your comment to Cynthia. Maybe that was one fast squirrel that ran to Boone from Stratford. Ha Ha. We appreciate you taking time to share your experience with the wonderful white-tailed squirrels! Many thanks.
I just saw one where I live in Indianapolis Indiana. 1st time ever. It’s really wooded where I live. It was awesome and it ate from a tray of nuts and seeds I put out. Sandra
Thank you for sharing your snacks, Sandra! I have mostly Eastern Fox squirrels in my area. I just visited the state of Washington and saw my first Douglas squirrel in person. Wow, those are feisty little critters. So cute, tiny, and full of spice. Thank you for sharing your experience with Kitty City Squirrels and for your support. Merideth 🙂
Has anyone actually managed to photograph a white tailed squirrel in Osage? It sounds like a rare sighting that’d make for an amazing shot! Would love tips on where to look.
Fascinating read, Merideth Sweeney! It’s always interesting to learn about the unique wildlife in our area. I had no idea the white-tailed squirrel had such a long history here. Thanks for sharing.
Totally agree, Maxine! It’s a great piece for my local biology lesson. Kids will love learning about this!
Saw a squirrel with a white tail once, thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. Or maybe it was just trying to start a new fashion trend among squirrels, eh?
I have recently started to see white tailed squirrels in SE KS (Fort Scott). They are NOT cooperative, and will not stay while I go get my camera!
Hello Ron,
They have a habit of not cooperating! Those darn rascals. If you ever capture them on film, we would love to see them. Kitty City Squirrels looks forward to their cooperation. Thank you so much for your humorous message!
Maddy
It’s interesting to note the symbolism behind seeing a white squirrel. In many cultures, white animals are seen as omens. Would’ve loved to see more on how this belief impacts their conservation.
Never seen one, but they sound pretty cool. Always thought squirrels were just, you know, squirrels.
We live in central Indiana and just saw a white tailed squirrel in Eagle Creek park. Never heard of them, let alone seen one .
Wow, Anthony, that is amazing. I guess Central Indiana’s Eagle Creek Park is where it’s at! Thank you for sharing your sighting and for supporting Kitty City Squirrels! Merideth
Who knew squirrels with white tails were a thing? Wonder if their diet affects the color. Like, you are what you eat, am I right?
I have white tailed squirrels around the neighborhood in Fort Scott KS (90 miles SO of Kansas City
Does the presence of white-tailed squirrels have any significant impact on the local ecosystem in Osage?
We live in Indiana and were surprised to see a white fluffy tails squirrel in our backyard. I snapped a few pictures but they’re blurry. He was at a distance eating out of our birdfeeders that contain sunflower seeds.
Oh, Mary, they love sunflower seeds no matter what color their tail is! Oh, if you every get any clear photos let us know. We’d love to see them. Thank you for sharing your sighting with us. We appreciate your support! Merideth
While it’s cute to think of seeing a white squirrel as a sign of bravery, scientific minds should focus more on the genetic reasons behind their coloration.
Great, now I’ve gotta look for squirrels with fashion-forward tails. As if high school dress codes weren’t enough.
Really enjoyed this piece on the white-tailed squirrel! Always a treat to learn something new about our local wildlife. Can’t wait to spot one on my next hike.
Yesterday, in Altoona, PA, my wife snapped a photo of a gray squirrel with a tail, the top half of which was white. Never saw anything like it.
Oh my goodness, this sounds amazing, Lee! If you and your wife would like to share your photo, we would love to see it. If the resolution is good, we will share it in the article with credit to you and your wife. You can submit your photo here: https://kittycitysquirrels.com/submit-your-photos/
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Merideth
I live in the western area of Maryland, in a suburban area with a number of old growth trees. About a month or so ago I’ve seen a squirrel with a white tip about one too two inches long. The rest of his tail (or hers) is normal squirrel color. He or she, has a pal that is a normal grey squirrel. They come to my yard looking for nuts likely acorns from an old oak tree in my side yard. It’s been as close to my window as the bushes next to the house. It’s fall so maybe I’ll get a corn cobb or some sun flower seeds. I’d like to get a picture of it.
Hi Joan,
Thank you for sharing your story. We’d love to see the white-tipped tail…say that 10 times in a row :)! I’m sure your acorn tree is popular. My friend in Washington feeds her squirrels the black-oil sunflower seeds. They go crazy for them. If you do get a photo and would like to share, please submit your photo(s) here! https://kittycitysquirrels.com/submit-your-photos/
We hope to see your two furry friends soon,
Maddy