HELMETTA - Gina Geletei was on her way to work as a site director at East Brunswick Recreation Camp when she saw something she never expected to see − a black squirrel.
Scampering up a tree in the Heather Glen complex, the black squirrel was spotted at approximately 8 a.m. Thursday.
"I did a double take," said Geletei, who is also a fourth-grade teacher in Edison. "I was shocked at what I was seeing. There were a few gray squirrels running up the trees so the black one really stood out."
Though their population is growing, black squirrels are considered rare − only about 1 in 10,000 squirrels have black fur.
More: Want to open a restaurant? This Helmetta strip mall is making it easy
According to the state, black squirrels are a darker form of the Eastern gray squirrel and live primarily in the northern climates. Their black coloring is due to a genetic characteristic called "melanism," a coloring that helps them survive in colder weather.
While there have been sightings throughout the Garden State, the black squirrel is more common in the Midwest. In Central Jersey, the black squirrel has come to be known as Princeton University's unofficial mascot.
Immediately after seeing the black squirrel, Geletei texted her mom as the two share a love of animals and nature. That's when Geletei found out how rare a black squirrel sighting can be.
"I've been telling everyone about it," Geletei said. "It's exciting!"
In many cultures, black squirrels are considered to be a symbol of good luck. Some people believe that if you see a black squirrel, it means that good fortune is on its way.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com , part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin . To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Is good luck on the way? Black squirrel spotted in Middlesex County
Most Popular
Comments / 0