UPDATE: May 31, 2024 at 19:53 (7:53 p.m.) CDT.
By Lisa Loucks-Christenson
The white-tailed squirrel was caught on camera, running alongside its sibling and showcasing its unique behavior. Upon further investigation, we have verified that the two squirrels in question, which we had pondered whether they were the same, have indeed affirmed our prior assumptions.
Lisa Loucks-Christenson’s shots had such a different coloration that it required an extra day of waiting to verify this. In this group, we are investigating the next aspect, which is the potential relation between two other “kittens.”
Contrary to our previous belief, the squirrels we have encountered are actually red squirrels, not grey squirrels. The four young ones, who are all nearly identical in size, are accompanying what we believe to be their mother.
In Lisa’s possession are photographs and videos that depict a family of red and blonde littermate squirrels, exhibiting variations in tail color. Many times, red squirrels will produce two litters per year. We will monitor the situation to determine if additional white-tails will be born in 2024.
Similar to white-tailed grey squirrels, people have sighted white-tailed red squirrels across the United States. These squirrels, which are still a rare sight to see, have arrived and we hope you enjoy their published photos.
We want to reiterate our commitment to respecting the property owners’ privacy and, as such, we cannot reveal the specific location for the safety of the squirrels and the owners’ property.
May 29, 2024, Rare White-Tailed Squirrel Documented in Rochester, Minnesota
By Lisa Loucks-Christenson Publisher, Multimedia Correspondent, and Investigative Reporter
Published by the Rochester Sun Times News on May 29, 2024 at 19:04 (7:04 P.M.) CDT.
Rochester, Minnesota (Rochester Sun Times News) - A rare white-tailed squirrel in a Rochester yard has been spotted in Rochester. To maintain the residents’ privacy and deter curious onlookers, the squirrel’s location is being withheld by the request of the property owners.
For the last few days, residents of Rochester, Minnesota, have had the unique opportunity to witness the rarely seen white-tailed squirrel, which is typically elusive. This sighting may be a first for the area and state of Minnesota.
These eye-catching squirrels are now identified as seen in Minnesota (if not earlier). They have also been spotted in several other states, such as Vermont, Texas, Michigan, and Iowa, and even as far as Saskatchewan, Canada.
For those eager to glimpse the rare squirrel, it’s all about patience and perfect timing. Luckily, these creatures, if they behave like grey squirrels, can live for a couple of years or longer, and their habitat range may encompass up to 15 miles.
The young squirrel, with his white tail twitching, was larger than the nearby red squirrel, who relentlessly chased him, causing him to seek refuge in the brush. Once he felt secure, he cautiously emerged from his hiding spot. It was then that a gray squirrel caught his attention, as they both searched for food in close proximity, their connection fleeting.
Baby squirrels are called “kits” or “kittens” and are born in litters. So far, there have been no sightings of any other siblings, but it’s worth mentioning that this wildlife investigation is still in its initial phase, having begun just a few days ago. If I come across more details, I’ll update the story accordingly.
With the nearby expansive woods, winding river, and open meadow beckoning, it’s highly unlikely that this squirrel would venture far from its nest. As of now, there have been no sightings of a mother with him.
The owners stated that over the weekend, a motorbike hit a female squirrel on their street, a nursing female.
In the evening that followed, a 8pyoung white-tailed squirrel appeared in a tree near the homeowners. I spotted him when the sky was ablaze with the vivid hues of sunset, his radiant figure outlined in shades of orange and yellow cast by the sun.
He was dangling between branches on the tree and he was struggling to hold on. Did he fall from his nest tree?
The kit’s inconspicuous appearance may result from its ability to track his mother by the pheromones left by her. Possibly, motivated by hunger, he could have gone out in search of food.
Only further studying will provide those answers. If there are other siblings who have not yet left the nest, it is possible that they too, will carry the recessive gene and display similar traits. It’s also possible this squirrel is going through a color phase that is common with grey squirrels.
The similarity between this squirrel and a red squirrel is so strong that it made me wonder if it was actually a grey squirrel. He was larger than the red squirrel, both in terms of body length and tail length. His tail, which looked like that of a grey squirrel, curved and flowed, folding over its back in the same fashion.
His similarity in appearance, actions, and company of grey squirrels suggests a slight possibility of him being a red squirrel, but the chances of him being a grey squirrel are much more probable. Additional research is necessary to find the answer.
While researching Minnesota squirrel species for one of my documentaries, I have captured photographs of grey squirrels in different color variations, including black, white, and now white-tailed (assuming it is a grey squirrel). In Minnesota, you can find a diverse squirrel population, including albino squirrels in all species. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find the northern and southern flying squirrels.
My research, news, stock photo and film libraries now have fresh content thanks to the new photos and videos of this unique white-tailed squirrel I encountered.
If you see the white-tailed squirrel, it’s best to quietly watch it without revealing to others where it is to protect it.
With 50 years of experience as an internationally recognized wildlife photographer, I have developed a great deal of patience while out in the field. I patiently wait for hours to capture shots that other photographers have overlooked. I’m always prepared to take chances with my camera equipment to capture and share the wonders of the natural world, with no physical contact with the subjects. There are unscrupulous individuals in our region who will exploit rare animals for their own collections and, as I have gathered evidence, even cause their demise.
Rarely do we have the privilege of hosting such an extraordinary guest, therefore, let’s all attempt to be polite and respectful, ensuring that we observe him causing no distress.
If you see a wildlife story you’d like me to cover, reach out on the contact form.
In Rochester, Minnesota, there has been a sighting of a rare white-tailed squirrel. Photo: © 2024 Lisa Loucks-Christenson. All rights reserved.
A rare, white-tailed squirrel spotted in Rochester, Minnesota. Photo: © 2024 Lisa Loucks-Christenson. All rights reserved.