The question of whether black squirrels are endangered is often asked because of their striking appearance and localized abundance. Black squirrels are not a separate species and are not considered endangered. They are a melanistic color variant of the common Eastern Gray Squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis. Their conservation status is tied directly to the health of the overall species population, which is robust across its native range.
The Biological Identity of Black Squirrels
The distinct black coat color results from melanism, a genetic phenomenon caused by an excess of the dark pigment melanin. This is a naturally occurring polymorphism within the Eastern Gray Squirrel population, not a separate species. The darker pigmentation is traced to a specific genetic mutation: a 24 base-pair deletion in the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene. This deletion causes the receptor to be overactive, leading to a constant production of the dark pigment eumelanin.
A squirrel with two copies of this variant gene will appear jet-black, while one with only a single copy displays a brown-black coloration. Black fur is more efficient at absorbing solar radiation, which could have helped squirrels thermoregulate during colder periods. This dark fur was theorized to provide a biological advantage, particularly in the northern parts of their range.
Melanistic squirrels may also have benefited from better concealment in the dense, shaded environments of historical old-growth forests. This suggests the black morph was once more widespread before extensive deforestation altered the landscape. While the melanistic trait is relatively rare across the entire species range, the black squirrel is simply a color morph of the Eastern Gray Squirrel.
Global and Regional Conservation Classifications
Because the black squirrel is merely a color variant, its official conservation status is determined by the classification of the Eastern Gray Squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species assesses the global risk of extinction for species. The Eastern Gray Squirrel is currently designated as a species of “Least Concern”.
This designation indicates that the species is widespread and abundant, with no immediate threat to its survival. The overall population trend is stable or increasing in many areas, primarily due to their adaptability to human-modified landscapes. Some local municipalities have adopted ordinances to protect their black squirrel populations due to their status as local symbols or mascots.
These regional protections reflect cultural value rather than an official threat to the population’s survival. The classification of “Least Concern” applies globally, confirming that black squirrels are not endangered at the species level.
Current Population Distribution and Ecological Factors
The distribution of black squirrels is notably uneven, with certain regions exhibiting a significantly higher frequency of the dark morph than others. They are particularly prevalent in the Great Lakes Basin, with the highest concentrations found in parts of Ontario and Michigan. In some areas, the black morph accounts for the majority of the Eastern Gray Squirrel population.
This uneven distribution is partly a result of historical factors, including reintroduction efforts designed to establish the color morph in new areas. For example, black squirrels were intentionally introduced to Washington, D.C., in the early 20th century, sourced from Ontario to populate local parks. The color morph’s survival is also influenced by specific ecological pressures that vary by location.
Research suggests the black morph is now disproportionately common in urban environments compared to rural areas. The dense forests that once favored the black squirrel have been replaced by fragmented, lighter secondary forests, where gray coloration offers better camouflage. In cities, melanistic squirrels may benefit from a thermal advantage due to the heat-island effect. They may also be more easily spotted and avoided by drivers, potentially leading to lower road mortality.