He may lack the gravitas of a white buffalo, but I like to think that the legendary White Squirrel of Prospect Park is a good omen, too. Reports of this snowy little fellow date back at least to late 2006, raising the question: Is there just one, or is this a descendant of the albino bloodline? Also, is he or she a true albino? (On close inspection, we thought his eyes looked dark, not pink.)
Perhaps these questions are best forwarded to (I am not making this up) the Albino Squirrel Preservation Society. Or, as Daughter termed it, the "No-Life Society," which I think is a tad harsh. After all, white creatures, from stags in Celtic mythology to those buffalo beloved by Native Americans, have apparently held sway over our imaginations for a long time. And in Exeter, Ontario, they have even made a (hilariously inane) music video in praise of their "White Wonder."
My goodness he is adorable!
Posted by: Jackie | July 15, 2009 at 12:25 PM
You probably know, it's especially dangerous to be albino in Tanzania.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/08/world/africa/08albino.html
Posted by: amy | July 15, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Wow - that is horrible! Another reason to be proud and thankful to live in our great country!
Posted by: Jackie | July 17, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Hey, Brenda -- I was at the playground in 2006 when the hawk went after the white squirrel, and that was Carrie's post about it quoted in the linked story! Never knew her writing got picked up in a news story.
People on Park Slope Parents complained that I (through Carrie) exaggerated by saying that more than one parent threw more than one thing at the hawk. It was in fact just one mom tossing one modest-sized stick. The real work in saving the squirrel was done by the squirrel itself, which huddled behind a gnarly vine until the hawk gave up.
A dramatic Marlin Perkins moment in the 9th St. playground.
There were two white squirrels living in the vicinity of the playground. Haven't seen any for a year, maybe two.
Posted by: ralphbon | July 17, 2009 at 01:32 PM