The Isle of Wight is famous for its colonies of red squirrels, but now a rare and striking blonde squirrel has been spotted at Ventnor Botanic Garden.
This unusual squirrel has been seen intermittently over the past year and a half, although the expansive nature of the garden means not everyone has had the chance to catch a glimpse.
A year and a half of sightings
Ventnor Botanic Garden spans 22 acres, making it easy for even regular visitors and staff to miss out on spotting the blonde squirrel. The squirrel’s light-coloured fur makes it stand out from the Island’s typical red squirrel population.
Despite the numerous sightings, some who work at the garden have yet to encounter the rare creature.
What causes a blonde squirrel?
Red squirrels can sometimes be born with lighter fur due to a genetic mutation that affects their pigmentation. While rare, this can result in a blonde or even cream-coloured squirrel, rather than the usual reddish-brown hue.
Blonde squirrels, though genetically still red squirrels, appear much paler, which can sometimes confuse those unfamiliar with this unique occurrence. These mutations do not affect the health or behaviour of the animal, but do give it a striking appearance.
Photographer shares rare images
The photographer who managed to capture these images prefers to remain anonymous. We thank them for generously sharing their photographs with the wider world, giving many the opportunity to see the blonde squirrel for the first time.
The blonde squirrel adds another layer of natural beauty to an already unique environment at the botanic garden, further enriching the Isle of Wight’s biodiversity.
You can find out more about red squirrels by visiting the Wight Squirrel Project website.
