Weiße Eichhörnchen of Brevard, NC
What’s with the white squirrel obsession?
White squirrels are a beloved fixture of wildlife here in Brevard, NC. These rare animals are so special here that there are even events dedicated to them. The white squirrels have an interesting history in Brevard, and the community has fully embraced this fluffy critter as our town’s unofficial mascot.
History of Brevard’s White Squirrels
Legend has it that Brevard’s white squirrels came to be by way of an overturned carnival truck in Florida in the mid-20th century. A gentleman caught two white squirrels playing in his pecan orchard and gifted them to a friend in Brevard, who then gave the squirrels to his niece. Eventually, one squirrel escaped, and the other was set free. Since then, they bred with the existing population — resulting in many more white squirrels. Some may wonder if these white squirrels are albinos, but they are not! Instead, they are a variant of the eastern gray squirrel.
Go Nuts
Where to Find Them
So, where can you find white squirrels in Brevard? Like any wild animal, these little guys are free to roam, there’s no guarantee that you’ll come across a scurry of white squirrels. However, a few hot spots in town include Brevard College, Silvermont Mansion & Park, and Franklin Park.
White Squirrel Merch
Our squirrely friends have inspired the shopping experience here. Get your white squirrel merch in Downtown Brevard (the White Squirrel Shoppe is a great place to start) and browse through several other local mainstays that each carry their own unique selections.
Annual Events
What better way to recognize one of Transylvania County’s most unique creatures than with a weekend celebration? Each year on Memorial Day Weekend, the streets of Downtown Brevard are filled with local vendors, delicious food, and live music for the much-anticipated White Squirrel Weekend. This yearly festival is a 3-day event with a little something for everyone.
We also celebrate White Squirrel Day every year on February 2nd. On this special day, our official white squirrel prognosticator, forecasts whether we’ll enjoy an early Spring or endure a long Winter. She even predicts the winner of the Super Bowl!
White Squirrel Institute
If you’re interested in contributing to the conservation efforts of white squirrels in Brevard, check out the work of the White Squirrel Institute. Through their organization, you can even “adopt” a white squirrel to aid in their efforts. You can visit their headquarters at the Brevard/Transylvania Visitor Center.
Explore More North Carolina Wildlife
Interested in learning more about North Carolina animals and other unique creatures that call Transylvania County home?