A rare white squirrel has captured the attention of residents on Florida’s Space Coast. The striking creature, an uncommon variation of the gray squirrel species, was recently sighted along Pine Tree Drive in Indialantic, creating a buzz among locals.
A Beloved Neighborhood Visitor
Megan Sinigoi, a local resident, shared how much her family enjoys seeing the unique squirrel, affectionately named Snowy by the community. “He’s definitely a famous little squirrel. He’s rare,” Megan said, noting her children’s excitement whenever Snowy visits their backyard.
Theresa Armstrong, another neighbor who managed to snap photos of the squirrel, considers herself fortunate. “I am probably one of the lucky ones to have seen it,” she said. For many, spotting Snowy has become a delightful highlight.
An Uncommon Phenomenon
White squirrels are an extraordinary sight, according to squirrel researcher Thaddeus McRae, who has spent decades studying the species. “At any given place, they’re going to be quite rare,” McRae explained.
The urban setting of Snowy’s habitat might actually be key to its survival. “If that squirrel had this beautiful white fur in the middle of a Florida pine land, it would stick out like a sore thumb, and a hawk would get it. That would be that,” McRae said.
Why is Snowy White?
The origins of Snowy’s distinctive appearance remain a mystery, but McRae offered two possibilities. It could be the result of a genetic mutation, which alters typical inheritance patterns, or the squirrel might have been someone’s pet at one point.
A Welcome Addition
Regardless of how Snowy came to live on the Space Coast, the community has embraced the rare squirrel. “He’s just an albino squirrel, and the kids love him,” Megan said, echoing the joy Snowy brings to the neighborhood.
For residents, Snowy isn’t just a rare sight — he’s a cherished symbol of the community’s connection to nature.
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