Can you hunt black squirrels in Michigan?

Fox and gray squirrel (including black phase squirrels) may be taken statewide during the open season.

Are black squirrels rare in Michigan?

They then mapped that information across the Great Lakes basin and found black squirrels in every state and province, although there were places in each state and province without melanistic squirrels. They found that Ontario and Michigan had the highest frequency of black squirrels.

Where are black squirrels in Michigan?

In Michigan, black squirrels thrive in places like the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak; Belle Isle in Detroit; Battle Creek on the state’s west side, and around Michigan State University’s campus in East Lansing.

What squirrels can you hunt in Michigan?

The two largest tree squirrels (fox and gray) are by far the most hunted species. This is mostly due to their size and the fact that they provide the most meat to a hunter. They are active in the daytime and offer challenging hunting opportunities. Red squirrels are also hunted by some.

Can I shoot squirrels in my backyard in Michigan?

Michigan’s public lands offer no end of outdoor activities for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike — including squirrel hunting.

Why are there so many black squirrels in Michigan?

The present population of black eastern gray squirrels in Battle Creek, Michigan was reportedly introduced in 1915 by John Harvey Kellogg, who wanted to repopulate the area with the species after their populations were devastated in the previous centuries by predators and human hunters.

Can black squirrels mate with grey squirrels?

Do Black Squirrels Mate with Grey Squirrels? Black squirrels and grey squirrels are the same species and will mate with each other. The mutation that creates a black squirrel must be inherited from both parents. This means that if a black squirrel mates with a grey squirrel they will have grey offspring.

Are black squirrels rare?

According to Mental Floss’ Jake Rossen, black squirrels are relatively rare, constituting just one in 10,000 of the seemingly ubiquitous rodents. Today, the animals are seen in both their native home of North America, including sites as wide-ranging as Ontario, Washington, D.C. and Ohio, and the United Kingdom.

Can you hunt squirrels with a 22 in Michigan?

The actual requirements for squirrel hunting are simple — wear blaze orange that is visible from all angles and have the base level hunting license. Soulard said squirrels can be hunted with small rifles such as a 22 caliber rifle, a pellet rifle or a small shotgun.

Why are black squirrels so rare?

Fox squirrels are typically darker in color and can, therefore, pass a darker coat along to their offspring. According to this new research, however, black fur actually results from a genetic mutation. This explains why the black squirrel is somewhat rare, making up for an estimated one in every 10,000 squirrels.