**Ystrad Mynach Mourns Loss of Rare White Squirrel**
The tight-knit community of Ystrad Mynach in the Caerphilly borough is coming to terms with the loss of its unexpected but much beloved local celebrity—an exceptionally rare white squirrel that had captured hearts and imaginations across the region and beyond.
First sighted in 2023, this striking squirrel, believed to be a one-in-100,000 albino, had become something of a phenomenon among residents. Its unique appearance, featuring snowy white fur and conspicuous red-blue eyes, was frequently documented by locals. Spotted darting between gardens or perched atop fences, the squirrel rapidly achieved notoriety, with sightings regularly shared to social media and even picked up by national outlets.
The genetic rarity of the squirrel only added to the intrigue. Albinism in wild grey squirrels is a result of a specific mutation that strips all pigment from fur, skin, and eyes, producing the pale, almost ethereal look that set this particular animal apart from its greyer cohorts. The odds of seeing such a creature are exceedingly remote, and many locals viewed the animal as a symbol of good fortune or nature’s playfulness.
Sadness struck the community earlier this week when local resident Kev Hart, who had long observed the squirrel’s antics in his own garden, discovered its body near his home. Speaking about the discovery, Mr Hart expressed his disappointment and the connection he felt to the animal, which had become a familiar presence in his daily life.
“I found it opposite my drive, near Portofinos, and immediately noticed there were no obvious injuries—nothing to suggest it had been run over or caught by a predator,” he stated. “I intend to give it a respectful burial. It’s gutting—I’d grown so used to seeing it scampering about.”
Hart recounted that the white squirrel was a regular visitor, sometimes seen weekly, and was last spotted just days before its untimely death, energetically navigating the rooftops in the area. While the exact cause remains unclear, Hart did mention that the squirrel was often seen risking the busy roads, though its body bore no obvious signs of trauma.
The story of the white squirrel is not an isolated case of unusual wildlife in Ystrad Mynach. In recent days, another local resident photographed a grey and white squirrel with similarly red-hued eyes—hinting at the possibility of further genetic quirks in the local squirrel population. Notably, this new visitor may be leucistic rather than albino—a condition marked by patches of white or pale colour due to a partial, rather than complete, loss of pigmentation.
Wild grey squirrels in the UK typically survive for two to five years, though some live up to nine if they manage to avoid predators, disease, and the ever-present dangers posed by roads and cars. Mortality in these animals can be high, not just due to natural causes but as a consequence of human activity.
The passing of the white squirrel has prompted a wave of tributes across local Facebook groups and community forums, with residents sharing their favourite photographs and recounting sightings. Some recalled the initial excitement among neighbours after the rodent first appeared, while others simply marvelled at having witnessed such a rare spectacle in their own back gardens.
What is evident is that the white squirrel’s fleeting presence brought together people of all ages, united in their sense of wonder. Its legacy, memorialised in countless images and stories, has offered Ystrad Mynach both a talking point and a gentle reminder of nature’s unpredictability and charm.
Whether or not another unusual squirrel graces the town, the enthusiasm shown by residents for their unique visitor is a testament to the community spirit and appreciation for the wildlife surrounding them. As new sightings of unusual wildlife are made, it seems certain that the spirit of curiosity left by Ystrad Mynach’s famous white squirrel will endure.