Brevard’s white squirrels would seem to be doing well as preparations are being made for the Eighth Annual White Squirrel Festival during the Memorial Day weekend.
Under the supervision of the Heart of Brevard, community volunteers conducted the 14th Annual Brevard Squirrel Count this past fall over a 3-square-mile study area centered around the courthouse.
The count is not meant to be a true census but rather an estimate of the percentage of the white versus the gray variant of the Eastern Gray Squirrel. This year’s estimate of 37.1 percent white is the highest yet on record, well above the 14-year average of 28.1 percent. The overall number of squirrels, both white and gray, was also up, representing the third most populous in count history.
Statistical analysis indicates that while the percent of white squirrels has steadily increased over this period, the number fluctuates widely and is highly correlated to available food, particularly hard mast (nuts), over the previous year.
The highest concentration of the white variant was along the southeast margin of the study area, north and east of Brevard Elementary School, including Warren and Bluebird Lanes, McCrary Acres, Morgan Heights and the general area between Elm Bend Road and Outland Avenue.
Because of its park-like landscape, Brevard College remains a good place to view white squirrels, although their abundance there seems to have declined slightly in recent years.
Details of the count and information regarding Brevard’s white squirrels can be found by going to www.brevardnc.org and selecting the tab on the far right labeled “White Squirrels.”
Organizers wish to thank the following volunteers: Linda and Craig Rodemaker, Mountain Sun Community School, Phrank Polsenburg, Suzy Biecker, Marite Currier, Paula Paddick, Karen Love, Kelly Collier, Julia Batliner, Lauren Weed, Frances Pledger, Elaine Trozzo, Bill and Joann Carroll, Juanelle Burrelll and Kathy Roush.
Brevard’s white squirrels are not albinos but brown-eyed creatures. Researchers found that the lack of pigment is caused by a recessive genetic defect.
In 1986, the Brevard City Council approved an ordinance protecting the creatures, and the city hosts a yearly festival named after the animal.
The Eighth Annual White Squirrel Festival will be held May 28-29 and includes many white-squirrel themed attractions, including a photo contest, squirrel feeder contest and a squirrel box derby.
To participate in future counts or for information about becoming a designated squirrel spotter for a neighborhood, contact Madrid Zimmerman at 884-3278 or email heartexec@comporium.net, or Bob Glesener at 862-3231 or email rrglesener@gmail.com.
Source: Transylvania Times
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