The Secret of the Black Squirrels at Niagara Falls
Why Are There So Many Black Squirrels at Niagara Falls State Park? (And Nowhere Else?)
If you’ve ever wandered through Niagara Falls State Park, you may have noticed something a little unusual… and very cool:
The squirrels are black!
Seriously—walk around Goat Island, the picnic areas, the trails—and you’ll spot sleek, inky-black squirrels darting up trees, scampering over rocks, and occasionally posing for tourists like they own the place.
Now here’s the weird part:
Drive just a few miles in any direction, and they’re gone.
Back to regular gray squirrels. Like Niagara Falls was holding onto a secret.
So what gives? Are the black squirrels some kind of park mascot? A genetic fluke? A squirrel super-species? Let’s get into it.
First of All—What Are Black Squirrels?
Black squirrels aren’t their own species. They’re actually a color variation of the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). The black color comes from a rare genetic mutation that increases melanin, which is the pigment that darkens fur, feathers, and even human skin.
This melanistic gene is recessive, meaning it doesn’t show up often—unless a whole bunch of squirrels carry it. Which, apparently, they do here.
Why So Many at Niagara Falls?
Scientists and squirrel-watchers have a few theories:
1. Cold Weather Advantage: Black fur absorbs and retains heat better than gray fur, which might help squirrels survive long Western New York winters. Smart little survivalists.
2. Founder Effect: It’s believed black squirrels crossed over from Canada back in the 1800s—possibly via the first suspension bridge built across the gorge. Once they found a cozy new home on the American side, their gene pool stayed pretty local, and they flourished in this tight area.
3. No Natural Pressure: In an environment like Niagara Falls State Park—with fewer predators and plenty of snacks dropped by tourists—there’s no disadvantage to being different. So, they thrive.
A lithograph by Charles Parsons depicts Charles Ellet’s suspension footbridge, completed in 1848.
Local Legend: A Good Omen
Here’s where it gets even more fun: Around Niagara, some folks say seeing a black squirrel is good luck. They’re seen as a kind of forest guardian, a quiet symbol that you’re somewhere special.
They’ve been called wise, rare, even mystical.
Are those just stories? Maybe. But when you’re standing near one of the world’s greatest natural wonders and a black squirrel darts across your path—it’s hard not to feel like the universe is giving you a little wink.
So Why Don’t You See Them Elsewhere?
That’s the real mystery. You can drive 10 minutes out of the park, and suddenly—it’s all gray squirrels again. Almost like the black squirrels know where the magic is, and they’re not interested in leaving.
Maybe they’ve just got good taste. Or maybe they know that Niagara Falls State Park is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and they’ve claimed it for themselves.
Come See for Yourself
Next time you’re at the Falls, look up. Look around. These little creatures are everywhere—sleek, rare, and uniquely Niagara.
And if you join us on a Niagara Tours walk, we’ll even point them out to you—along with all the hidden legends and local gems the average tourist never sees.
Black squirrels. Big waterfalls. And just maybe… a little bit of good luck.
