In Northeast Ohio, there’s been quite a buzz about a peculiar and fascinating creature that seems to be a mix between a skunk and a squirrel. This critter, dubbed a “squnk,” has the body of a squirrel but the dark black fur and white-tipped tail of a skunk.
Recently, multiple sightings of this unusual creature have been reported in Ohio, and pictures of it have gone viral on social media. Some theories even suggest that the “squnk” might be a hybrid of the two species.
However, this “squnk” is actually a black squirrel. Despite lacking any skunk DNA, it remains a rare and intriguing sight. According to Smithsonian Magazine, black squirrels result from the mating of eastern gray and fox squirrels. The specific squirrel in question is an eastern gray squirrel with a genetic variation that gives it darker pigmentation.
Black squirrels are extremely rare, with only one in every 10,000 squirrels exhibiting this coloration. Their darker coat provides a thermal advantage, helping them stay warmer during the winter and in colder climates compared to typical gray squirrels.
Since their introduction to the campus in 1961, black squirrels have become an iconic feature of Kent State University, even earning the title of unofficial mascot.
So, if you spot a “squnk” in Ohio, rest assured it’s just a black squirrel with a unique tail resembling that of a skunk, and it won’t spray you. What a remarkable creature! While it may not be a squirrel-skunk hybrid, it’s still a rare and fascinating animal to encounter.
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