Oneonta Albino Squirrels NOT A Myth!

For years now, I have been hearing tales of albino squirrels seen here in Oneonta, NY.  Being an outdoor person, I must admit that I was a bit skeptical.  How could so many people report albino squirrel sightings without me ever having seen one?  Ok, I get it, it's all about being in the right place at the right time apparently.

Imagine my surprise when I saw visual proof on Facebook this morning from Oneonta resident Ruth Betler who has SEVERAL photos and video of an albino squirrel that visits her.  Of course peanuts don't hurt.  The myth is REAL!

It is very rare to see this genetically mutated white squirrel since there are no indigenous white squirrels in North America as there are in Asia.  If you spot an albino squirrel, according to the Mother Nature Network, you are seeing an eastern grey squirrel with albinism, a congenital disorder characterized by little or no production of melanin. This lack of melanin makes the albino animal’s eyes appear pink or red, the color of its blood vessels. It's a bit creepy but I think this albino squirrel is still cute.