Why black squirrels thrive across Michigan

More than half of Michigan’s squirrels are reportedly black, a trait that has made the animals common across the state and the Great Lakes region. They are eastern gray squirrels with a mutation in the MC1R gene that produces darker fur.

Scientists believe the coloring may help squirrels absorb heat during cold winters and blend in with predators at night. Michigan’s climate and environment may have helped the mutation spread.

Read the full story at clickondetroit.com.