**Rare White Squirrel in Ystrad Mynach Finds a Companion, Bringing Delight to Local Residents**
Residents of Ystrad Mynach, a quaint town tucked away in north Caerphilly, have found themselves captivated by an unusual sight in their gardens – a rare white squirrel that now appears to have a partner. Sightings of these remarkable creatures have not only delighted the local community but also sparked renewed interest in understanding these rare genetic conditions among wildlife.
Recently, a local resident managed to capture photographs of a striking squirrel distinguished by its mostly white fur, with splashes of grey, as it foraged alongside the more common brown and grey squirrels. The creature’s distinctive looks are almost certainly attributed to leucism, a hereditary trait known for causing patches of white colouring by partially reducing the pigmentation in the animal’s fur, skin, or feathers. This condition stands apart from albinism – a more severe genetic trait in which the lack of pigment affects the entire body, often giving animals distinctive red or pink eyes due to visibility of the blood vessels within.
This is not the first instance where extraordinary squirrels have caught the eye of Ystrad Mynach’s residents. Over the last few years, several sightings have been reported involving a completely white squirrel believed to have true albinism. Residents have frequently shared sightings and stories of seeing this ghostly figure scampering across rooftops and gardens near the town’s main landmarks. Photographs taken by local wildlife enthusiasts show a small, agile creature with unmistakable red eyes typical of albino animals.
One local, who has lived in the area for two years, recounted seeing the white squirrel appear almost immediately after moving in. The animal’s favourite haunts allegedly include darting across the roof of the old Conservative Club, nestled between Portofino and the main Ystrad Mynach bus station. Locals have taken to discussing the squirrels on neighbourhood forums, with many expressing their excitement and curiosity about these elusive creatures that seem to defy expectations.
The fascination surrounding these rare animals is not unfounded. According to experts, only about one in every 100,000 squirrels is thought to be albino, making such sightings exceptionally rare in the UK. Estimates suggest there may be as few as 50 albino squirrels living across the country at any one time. In fact, in 2024, an albino squirrel was also spotted hundreds of miles away in Bookham, Surrey, illustrating just how uncommon these creatures are.
Ross Hill, a man who witnessed the Surrey albino squirrel, described his astonishment: “It was incredible to see something so rare right in front of me. A few weeks ago I didn’t even know albino squirrels existed, and now I’ve seen one for myself. It’s truly remarkable,” he told local media, exemplifying the genuine enthusiasm these creatures provoke.
Wildlife biologists note the importance of public interest in these animals, not only for their rarity but for what they tell us about genetic diversity and the resilience of animal populations in our towns and countryside. While some might see their unusual appearance as a cause for concern, most experts agree that squirrels with leucism or albinism can lead largely normal lives, though they may be more vulnerable to predators due to their highly visible colouring.
For now, residents of Ystrad Mynach continue to keep their eyes peeled and their cameras ready, hoping for another glimpse of their now-famous white squirrel and its possible new companion. As word of these sightings spreads, it serves as a reminder of the delight – and wonder – that wildlife can bring, even in the most everyday places.
With increasing habitat encroachment and urban development, such sightings also encourage important conversations about how communities can support and protect local wildlife, ensuring that creatures as rare as the white squirrel remain a cherished part of the Welsh landscape for years to come.