NEWS
White Squirrel visits Sasser yard
MARGARET ANDERSON
02-08-2006
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This unique squirrel frequents the Sasser yard
Photo by Curt Sasser
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Curt Sasser, president of Fort McClellan Credit Union, noticed an unusual visitor in his back yard recently — a white squirrel.
Although the squirrel is white, it has dark brown eyes, an indicator that it is not an albino.
The squirrel doesn’t limit his visitors to the Sasser yard. It frequents yards of the Sassers’ neighbors.
Charles Johnson, outdoors editor of The Anniston Star, says white squirrels are extremely rare.
"That doesn’t happen very often in nature," said Johnson. "It’s usually caused by a genetic abnormality — the gene that normally affects the coloration of the squirrel. It sounds to me like it’s a total absence of that gene."
Johnson said he has never personally seen a white squirrel. The only other time he has heard of one being spotted was over 25 years ago.
"I know a guy who was actually hunting squirrels," said Johnson. "He saw a white one, but he didn’t shoot it because, at first, he didn’t realize what it was."
Johnson said white squirrels — or, for that matter, any white or albino animal — probably don’t last long in the wild.
"They’re too easily recognizable," he said. "Not only for humans, but for coyotes and other animals. They’re just too easy for predators."
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About Margaret Anderson
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Margaret Anderson is the Community Life editor for The Jacksonville News.
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Contact Margaret Anderson
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