Rare albino squirrel spotted in Edinburgh

AN extremely rare albino squirrel has stunned residents in the Capital after it was spotted scurrying around the ground and chasing off its grey counterparts.

An extremely rare albino squirrel was spotted scurrying around Edinburgh, Picture: SWNS

Adorable pictures of the white squirrel were captured by staff at supported living homes in Edinburgh.

And it is even thought there might be two of the little critters scurrying around outside the homes near Gorgie Park Close in Slateford.

Shellie Rutherford, 31, a house support worker said the squirrel has been visiting the homes for around five months.

She said: “My colleagues think there might be two - she saw them both together on Monday.

“The one I have seen is there all the time. It comes right up to the door of the house and we put out nuts and bird food for it.

“The first time we saw it I just completely did a double take. I have never seen anything like it before.

“It’s completely white with little red eyes.

“I saw a similar story of one in the North of Scotland and I think it’s good for people to be able to keep track of where they are.”

Albinism is caused by a mutation in a gene that codes for pigmentation and the odds of squirrels being born white is said to be one in 100,000.

Shellie said the little ball of white fluff often chases off grey squirrels in the area.