No, those white squirrels at Mass. General aren’t albinos
A video by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife explains the rare sight.
People have been spotting an unusual critter outside Massachusetts General Hospital — white squirrels.
Tom French, assistant director of the state’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, explained in a video released Wednesday that that the squirrel’s unique coloring comes from a genetic abnormality.
The squirrels are not albino, he said, since they have dark eyes.
French said color abnormalities in gray squirrels are most common in cities.
“Camouflage for species that get hunted is a very, very important survival factor,’’ he said. “Having one color versus another in a park where they’re not that many predators, or on the lawn of Mass. General Hospital, it really doesn’t matter.’’
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French described sightings of the distinct creature as akin to winning the lottery.
“I think you’re very lucky to see them, they’re gorgeous,’’ he said.
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