Eastern Gray Squirrel

Thank you Joseph. I haven't seen this guy in a while. I hope that he found another place to hang out (as opposed to having found the tire of a car).

Great photo... and very interesting.

Turns out to be a popular choice: people are now posting their pictures of white squirrels on the app page :-)

Thank you Daniele. I am honored to have my photos used for the Fact of the Day!

Congratulations Stephanie, your spotting has been chosen for Project Noah Fact of the Day: "People have long been fascinated by white squirrels and often refer to them as “albino”. True albino mammals lack the pigment melanin as a result of a genetic defect. These animals not only have pure white fur, but also show pink eyes and pink skin as a result of the total lack of pigment which allows blood vessels to become visible. In reality, the majority of spotted white squirrels are not affected by albinism but by leucism. Leucism is caused by a partial reduction in multiple types of pigment of a different genetic origin. Leucistic animals can be white, pale or patchy in coloration, but their eyes are unaffected. Both albino and leucistic animals have increased chances of being preyed upon.

Albino Eastern gray squirrel spotted in Illinois, USA by Project Noah user stephanielrickman. Check this whole series of wonderful photographs!"
https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/pho...

Wow!!

Thank you Ernest!

Thank you Bill. I did not use a flash; the eyes were red.

I think you're right on the albinism here. It has those pinkish/red eyes unless you used a flash. You can also see lots of pink skin through the fur, which you can't see on white eastern grays. The skin almost looks irritated. Great series Stephanie!