The idea of a pink squirrel might sound like a character from a children’s story, but these unusually colored animals do exist. While not a common sight, reports and photographs confirm that squirrels with a pink or reddish hue appear from time to time. The reality behind these sightings is an intersection of genetics, health, and environmental factors that can alter a squirrel’s typical appearance.
The Reality of Pink Squirrels
A “pink squirrel” is not a separate species but a color variation found in common squirrels, most often the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). These animals are genetically the same as their gray-colored relatives but display a rare coloration. It is important to distinguish this natural occurrence from the popular mid-century cocktail of the same name, a creamy, sweet drink that bears no relation to the animal.
The term can also refer to a completely different phenomenon observed in North American flying squirrels (Glaucomys). Under ultraviolet (UV) light, the bellies of all three species—the Southern, Northern, and Humboldt’s flying squirrels—glow a vibrant pink. This biofluorescence is caused by compounds in their fur that absorb UV light and re-emit it as a visible pink glow. This effect is invisible in normal daylight and is a distinct process from the consistent pink fur seen in some Eastern Gray Squirrels.
Causes of Pink Coloration
Several factors can cause a squirrel’s fur to appear pink, ranging from genetics to environmental contact.
- Erythrism: This genetic condition is characterized by an unusual overproduction of red and orange pigments in the fur, while the production of darker pigments like melanin is reduced. The result is a coat that can range from a subtle strawberry-blonde to a more pronounced reddish-pink.
- Leucism and Albinism: Leucistic squirrels have a significant reduction of all pigments, resulting in white or pale fur. Through this light-colored fur, the pinkish hue of the squirrel’s skin and underlying blood vessels can become visible. Similarly, true albino squirrels, which lack any melanin, can appear pink for the same reason.
- Health Conditions: Mange, a skin disease caused by parasitic mites, leads to severe irritation and hair loss. As a squirrel loses its fur, its exposed skin, which is naturally pink, becomes highly visible, creating the illusion of a pink squirrel suffering from a medical condition.
- Environmental Staining: Environmental factors can temporarily stain a squirrel’s fur. Contact with ripening berries, certain types of fungi, or rust from old bird feeders can dye their fur, as can human-made substances like chalk or paint.
Notable Sightings
Documented sightings of pink squirrels, while rare, have occurred in various locations. In the United Kingdom, a reddish-pink squirrel became a local celebrity after being spotted in a garden in Stubbington, Hampshire. The animal’s unusual coloring was attributed by experts to a genetic quirk, likely erythrism, rather than environmental staining.
Across the Atlantic, a pinkish-colored squirrel was observed by residents in a Minneapolis, Minnesota neighborhood. This particular squirrel exhibited a dusty rose hue and was believed to be a color morph of the common Eastern Gray Squirrel. Similarly, a sighting in Olney, Illinois—a town famous for its population of albino squirrels—included a squirrel with a distinctly pinkish tint.
Survival as a Pink Squirrel
The unique coloration of a pink squirrel comes with significant challenges, primarily related to survival. A squirrel’s natural gray or brown coat provides effective camouflage against tree bark and leaf litter, helping it hide from predators. A brightly colored pink or reddish coat, however, stands out in the natural environment, making the animal an easy target for predators such as hawks, owls, foxes, and coyotes.
The conspicuous appearance can also influence social dynamics within squirrel populations. While not extensively studied, an unusually colored individual might face different treatment from its peers, potentially affecting mating opportunities or territorial disputes. This visibility disadvantage means that the lifespan of a pink squirrel in the wild is often shorter than that of its well-camouflaged counterparts.