The genetic evolution of Syracuse's black squirrels

[Clipper]

www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/why-are-there-so-many-black-squirrels-in-the-united-states-scientists-find-the-answer/ar-AAGX3Qs?li=BBnb7Kz

I guess black squirrels are not as uncommon as I thought they were. The only place I had ever seen them was Syracuse and DeWitt. I didn't realize that they were not that uncommon and that the mutation in the gray squirrels is the result of cross breeding with fox squirrels that possess the black fur. I had never heard of a fox squirrel until I moved here to Tennessee where they are fairly prevalent. Some, but not all, are almost twice the size of a normal gray squirrel. The fox squirrels I have seen here are gray with a reddish tint to part of their fur. Some I have seen at my sister's house are large enough that they can't be mistaken for a normal gray squirrel. There is a large oak tree in her front yard and when the acorns fall the fox squirrels get fat and sassy and chase off any regular gray squirrels attempting to share the bounty.

Has anyone ever seen black squirrels in the Utica area?

[kit]

There are plenty of squirrely people here in Utica for sure. Some are black and some are other colors and when the acorns fall from the oak trees most of them go nuts... just like at your sister's house.

[Clipper]

Hahaha! Same here. ALL the squirrels don't reside in the trees.