Extremely Rare South Dakota Squirrel Spotted in Sioux Falls Park

Warmer weather is fast approaching Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota, so our animal friends are coming out of hibernation.

One lucky Sioux Falls resident had a rare encounter with a special squirrel who is calling a local golf course home.

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Late last week, an unusual squirrel was seen at Prairie Green Golf Course. This little friend may look like a white, fluffy bunny. But this white creature is actually a rare Albino Squirrel. It's not every day you see an Albino Squirrel in Sioux Falls! It's a big deal!

Officials with the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department posted a Facebook video late last week with proof of the Albino Squirrel in the Sioux Empire. It was spotted near the first hole of the Prairie Green Golf Course.

What does it mean to be "albino?" It's defined as "a genetic condition where an animal has a total or partial lack of pigment, resulting in white fur and red or pink eyes." Looks like our Sioux Falls Albino Squirrel has red eyes!

Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging residents to find the squirrel and say "hello!" You might even win the Photo of the Year contest if you have an opportunity to snap a picture of our woodland friend!

Word on the street is that these little guys are SUPER rare, about 1 in 100,000! Keep an eye out near Prairie Green, and if you're lucky enough to see it, toss this guy or gal few nuts, grab a photo, and send it our way - it's a once-in-a-lifetime sighting!

What would be a good name for the Sioux Falls Albino Squirrel? Maybe 'Snowball?' How about the name 'Chippy?'