A Closer Look: Melanistic Eastern Gray Squirrel ("Shadow")

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Melanistic Eastern Gray Squirrel ("Shadow"): Eating peanuts from the feeder

©2023 Vonda Zwick

Shutter Speed : 1/640 sec | Aperture : f/6.3 | ISO : 3200 | Focal Length : 600mm
Camera : Canon EOS 5D Mark IV | Lens : 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary 015

I've named this occasional visitor to my feeders "Shadow." He or she appears to be affected by one of the many conditions that cause hair loss in squirrels. They usually recover and it doesn't look too badly affected, but I feel for him/her in the cold of winter.

Species in this Photo: Eastern Gray Squirrel

Location

Backyard and Home

Shot Date

Jan. 27, 2023, 1:12 p.m.