An unusual sight in Lincoln, this white-tailed squirrel is one of two that has been visiting the backyard of a Lincoln resident this week. According to online research, the white tail is possibly the result of a genetic albinism. In 2013, Carl Handel, a wildlife biologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources explained the recessive traits of the white tail. In other areas, the white-tails seem to arrive, then disappear quickly. Handel noted that the flashy white tail makes these particular squirrels easy prey for wildlife predators, which may partially explain why they are rare.

Photo by Nila Smith    (Click on picture for larger image)