Black Squirrels Common in Council Bluffs

It's hard to go outside in Iowa without noticing a squirrel. And while squirrels come in different colors in Council Bluffs black squirrels are a common sight, though you note see them in many other cities/towns across Iowa.

Black squirrels are the result of a genetic mutation and developing, but current research, indicates this darker color may result in an environmental advantage in colder weather over it's lighter colored counterparts.

Video

Council Bluffs

Iowa Core Standard

3-LS4-3

Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all

Driving Question

Why might black squirrels live in some Iowa cities/towns, but not others?

Probing Questions

Why might squirrels thrive in Iowa?
What do you think the advantage is for squirrels to be different colors?

Classroom Suggestions

Student could:

Complete a Notice/Wonder Chart while watching the video.
Label a map of Iowa indicating cities where black squirrels are prevalent and determine what patterns are present.
Record observations of squirrels that live in their community, including sizes, colors and habitat? Remind students that scientists include pictures, labels, and numbers when recording in their notebooks.
Create a claim supported with evidence about why black squirrels live in certain habitats and not others.
Share claims with small groups and debate as a class why black squirrels live in certain habitats and not others.
Research other animals that might be unique to your community. Why do they survive well there?

Resources

Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | 7 Cool Things You Should Know About Squirrels: This website shares seven cool things you should know about squirrels.
Nature | Squirrels Guide to Success: Squirrels can survive in a wide range of environments. This video dives into the secret to their survival.
PBS LearningMedia | KET Image Bank: Mammals: This collection of images includes a variety of different types and colors of squirrels.
Flatwater Free Press | Black, red or dead: How Omaha became a hub for black squirrel scholarship: While the research is based out of Omaha, the resources, explaination and diagrams provide a rich background and detail about the Black Squirrel in the Eastern Nebraksa/Western Iowa area.

Contributors

Submitted by Lisa Scieszinski.