Every mountain town has something that makes it unmistakably its own, and in Brevard, that distinction has four paws, a bushy tail and surprisingly white fur.

White squirrels have become an unofficial symbol of this Transylvania County community, appearing on souvenirs, inspiring celebrations and occasionally crossing a neighborhood lawn just as visitors reach for a camera.

How did Brevard get its white squirrels?

The most familiar origin story begins not in North Carolina but in Madison, Florida, where two unusual squirrels were reportedly found after a carnival truck accident in the 1940s.

In 1949, the pair reached a Brevard family and eventually became pets of a young woman named Barbara Mull.

One escaped, the other was released, and their distinctive coloring spread among squirrels living around town.

The account is a cherished local story rather than a scientifically proven family tree for every white squirrel seen today.

Are they albino?

No, Brevard's white squirrels are a color variation of the eastern gray squirrel, not a different species.

Most have dark eyes and may show patches or streaks of gray fur, unlike the lack of pigment associated with true albinism.

Their appearance is often described as leucistic, meaning their coloring is reduced while pigmentation remains in features such as the eyes.

That distinction makes the animals unusual, but they still behave like squirrels, foraging, climbing and navigating neighborhood trees.

A town that protects its famous residents

By 1986, Brevard's affection for the animals had become official city policy.

The City Council established a squirrel sanctuary and prohibited hunting, trapping, killing or otherwise taking protected squirrels within the designated city area.

The measure reflected a broader local belief that these animals deserved room to thrive, rather than becoming curiosities to capture.

Long-term observation has also become part of the story, with local researchers and volunteers tracking the population through organized squirrel counts.

The White Squirrel Institute supports education, conservation and animal-care efforts associated with Brevard's unusual wildlife.

Where might you see one?

Visitors often look around Brevard College, Silvermont and Franklin Park, three places associated with white squirrel sightings.

A stroll through quieter tree-lined neighborhoods may also bring a sighting, although no location guarantees an appearance.

Early morning or late afternoon can be rewarding times to watch, when squirrels may be especially active.

Keep a respectful distance, stay on public paths and resist the urge to feed or chase an animal for a photograph.

A sighting is more enjoyable when the squirrel can continue its ordinary day undisturbed.

From unusual wildlife to community tradition

Brevard's affection for its white squirrels extends well beyond the parks.

Downtown merchants feature squirrel-themed gifts and artwork, while White Squirrel Weekend brings music, food, local makers and family activities to town around Memorial Day.

Another quirky tradition arrives on February 2, when a white squirrel ambassador offers predictions about the coming spring and the Super Bowl.

The festivities may be playful, but they also celebrate the connection between local wildlife and a community's sense of identity.

The squirrels give residents a shared conversation starter and visitors a memorable reason to look beyond the region's better-known waterfalls.

A little patience is part of the experience

Anyone visiting Brevard specifically to see a white squirrel should plan to enjoy the town whether one appears or not.

Browse the shops, take in downtown's character and allow time for an unhurried walk near the places where the squirrels are known to roam.

If a flash of white darts up a tree, it may become the most memorable moment of the day.

And if it does not, the search still offers a chance to notice the community that turned an unusual bit of wildlife history into a beloved tradition.