Black Squirrels Indigenous to Washington, DC

Black squirrels are extremely appealing to the eye with their shiny dark coats. They are a melanistic morpheme that scientist refer to as “Color Morph” The only distinguishable difference is their color; however, some believe Black Squirrels are more aggressive than the Gray or White Squirrels, but studies have shown there are no behavioral differences.Prior to residing in DC, Blacks squirrels had gone unnoticed; we have traveled all over the world, but to no avail. Lived in Connecticut, Florida, and we simply do not recall seeing them in Mitchellville, Laurel, or even Hyattsville Maryland other places we have lived. We were unaware that 18 Black Canadian Squirrels were released by the National Zoo during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency.According to the Smithsonian’ archives, the National Zoo received Black squirrels in 1902 and in 1906 from “The Department of Crown Lands” in Ontario, London. There is much speculation as to why the District received the squirrels. Some believe it was to increase the population of local Gray squirrels, which were decreased due to hunting. To our surprise we learned there are a number of towns from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Stevenage, UK that boosts about having Black squirrels.The town of Marysville, KS named the Black Squirrel its official mascot, holds an annual Black Squirrel celebration, and in 1987, the “Black Squirrel Song” became the Marysville’s official anthem: “Lives in the city park, runs all over town, the coal black squirrel will be our pride and joy, Many more years to come.”Although Black Squirrels are not indigenous to Washington, D.C., we are on the look out for Black Squirrels as we travel the world. We are hopeful that you will share your Black Squirrel sightings with us. Please share when and where you saw a Black Squirrel for the first time.