Arkansas is the Natural State, home to an abundance of wildlife and to some very unique critters, especially in the Ozark Mountain Region of Northwest Arkansas.
The Story Behind the Arkansas White Squirrel in Northwest Arkansas
Have you ever heard of a white squirrel? Sounds like something you would see in a fairy tale movie. White squirrels are eastern gray squirrels, but their genes mutated, transforming their fur to a snow-white color. This twist of fate is like pulling a white rabbit out of a magic hat, or maybe it’s considered good luck if you spot one. Just a thought, but it sounds good.
According to Fun in Arkansas, there are actually two types: the Leucistic white squirrels found in Arkansas, with pure white or pale fur, and dark eyes. The other is a rare albino squirrel with white fur and pink or red eyes, which is caused from pigmentation. While they may be pretty to look at, they are vulnerable to predators in the wild because they are easy to spot.
Charming Small Arkansas Town Considered the Best for Spotting a White Squirrel
The dense forests of the Ozarks are the perfect place for these rare white squirrels to call home. The locals living in the area tend to feed these squirrels, helping the recessive gene to persist.
Eureka Springs is a hot spot for spotting these white squirrels, with all kinds of tall tales, stories, and folklore about these mystical rare beauties. Visitors have seen them at the historic Crescent Hotel, parks, and heavily wooded neighborhoods…