Results of the 2009 Brevard Squirrel Count

     The Count is not meant to be a true census but rather an estimate of the percentage of the white versus the gray variant of the Eastern Gray Squirrel.   This year’s estimate of 36.7% is the highest yet on record, with the 13 year average being 27.4%.  Overall abundance of squirrels, both white and gray, is higher than average but well within the range observed in the past.

     The highest percentage of the white variant (88.9%) was observed on the Brevard College campus in the area surrounding Boshamer Gymnasium and the Paul Porter Center for the Performing Arts.  However, the overall abundance of squirrels there is low.  The best combination of high percentage and high density  (measured in white squirrels per acre) is along the southeast margin of the study area, north of Brevard Elementary School between Elm Bend Road and Outland Avenue.

     A new feature starting this year is a rank order listing of the Sectors completed according to (1) percent white, (2) white squirrels per acre, and (3) total squirrels per acre.  These rankings are currently available for 2008 (click here) and 2009 (click here).  Eventually, they will be available for all counts.

     We want to thank the volunteers who helped this year who were:     .   If you would be interested in participating in future counts or in becoming a designated Squirrel Spotter for your neighborhood contact Madrid Zimmerman (884-3278), Director of the Heart of Brevard, or Bob Glesener (862-3231), Director of the White Squirrel Research Institute. 

     Brevard’s white squirrels would seem to be doing well as we prepare for the Sixth Annual White Squirrel Festival on the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.