The other day, a Sioux Falls resident named Angela Stallinga was in her backyard when she spotted an unusual-looking animal in a nearby golf course’s tree. The animal had a squirrel’s fluffy tail and dexterous paws, but his fur was bright white.
After a quick Google search, Stallinga realized that the animal she’d seen was an extremely rare albino squirrel. Only one in 100,000 squirrels has the light fur and pink eyes characteristic of an animal with the genetic mutation.
Stallinga sent a video of the squirrel to her friend Brooke Aden, who happens to work for Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation.
“When she sent me the video, I audibly gasped,” Aden told The Dodo.
Aden shared the clip of the squirrel on the Sioux Falls’ Parks and Recreation Facebook. It wasn’t long before the entire city had fallen in love with the squirrel who calls the Prairie Green Golf Course home.
“Spotted in a tree just off hole 1, this little guy was taking in the incredible views,” Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation wrote on Facebook. “We’re pretty sure he’s only judging your swing, but in a cute, albino squirrel kind of way.”
People started commenting name ideas below the video. Most of the names, like Casper and Snow, drew inspiration from the animal’s white coat. The one that ultimately won out was Q-Tip — a perfect name for such a fuzzy squirrel.
As excited as everyone is about Q-Tip, it’s important to keep in mind that he’s still a wild animal and that Prairie Green Golf Course is still a business. If you happen to cross paths with him while golfing, be sure to snap a photo. Otherwise, let him enjoy some peace and quiet.
“[T]his squirrel should be able to live a long, happy and fulfilling life without humans gawking at it each day,” Aden said.
Q-Tip’s unique appearance has brightened the days of everyone who’s seen a photo of him or been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him in person.
“[Q-Tip] has unexpectedly brought a lot of happiness to not only the Parks and Recreation department but also the community we serve,” Aden said.
