Romantic Roads

During one of our early trips together, Amity and I set out on an adventure to Shenandoah National Park, where the beauty of nature sparked conversations about the marvelous creatures we might encounter. It was during this excursion that the topic of Brevard University in North Carolina, arose—a place renowned for an unusual and captivating phenomenon: a population of white squirrels.

Amity, who had ventured to witness these unique creatures with her kids, shared intriguing tales that piqued my interest. As we traversed through Virginia, our journey at a crossroads, we contemplated whether to adhere to our original route back home or to embrace the allure of the unknown and take a detour to explore Brevard University and its enigmatic white squirrels. Guess where we went…

From Genetic Anomaly to Cultural Icon

The white squirrels of Brevard have become a distinctive emblem of the town, drawing attention and curiosity from both locals and visitors alike. They’re Eastern gray squirrels with a genetic anomaly, resulting in white fur patches or a completely white coat, retaining the dark eyes characteristic of gray squirrels. Brevard is renowned for hosting a notable population of these white squirrels, scattered throughout the city and its surroundings.

This population has taken on a significant role in local symbolism, shaping the town’s identity. The white squirrel is adored and cherished, featuring prominently in various aspects of the community, from business logos to marketing campaigns. Each year, Brevard hosts a lively White Squirrel Festival, an event that pays tribute to these unique creatures. The festival is a grand affair, featuring music, food, arts and crafts, attracting visitors from far and wide.

The origins of this white squirrel population are somewhat shrouded in mystery, with differing tales. Some believe a carnival truck accident in the 1950s released white squirrels into the area, while others credit a resident named Mrs. W.E. Mull, who supposedly received them as a gift from a friend in Florida.

Preservation and conservation efforts are at the forefront of the community’s priorities, ensuring the sustainability of the white squirrel population and the preservation of their unique genetic trait. Visiting Brevard to witness these fascinating creatures and experience the lively White Squirrel Festival has become a cherished activity, adding to the town’s vibrant culture and identity.

The Encounter

As we arrived and walked through Brevard University’s campus, dotted among the trees and students going about their day were the white squirrels. There was a surreal beauty in watching them go about their business. The contrast of their alabaster coats against the greenery and brick pathways of the campus was nothing short of enchanting. It felt like stumbling upon a hidden realm, a pocket of magic in the mundane world. Every movement they made, whether it was darting up a tree or nibbling on a nut, seemed special due to the rare hue of their fur.

As I stood there, captivated, joined by Amity, who was wearing a knowing smile, it was clear she had seen these wonders before. “Beautiful, aren’t they?” she remarked. “I discovered them a while back when I visited with my kids. Their reaction was priceless.”

I could imagine the wide-eyed wonder of children seeing these creatures for the first time, their imaginations taking flight, weaving tales of magic and mystery about these unique animals.

Amity and I spent some time just watching the squirrels, enjoying the serenity they brought to the campus. It wasn’t just their color that made them special; it was the feeling they evoked, a reminder of nature’s ability to surprise and delight us, even in places we least expect.