Brevard and Transylvania County hosts it's annual White Squirrel Festival
The history of the white squirrel originated back in 1949 when a carnival truck overturned and a pair of white squirrels were caught, then released into the wild and started populating the white squirrels we see today. Originating in Brevard, the white squirrels are now seen as far out as Asheville and Hendersonville. Additionally, white squirrels have been spotted in a few other states but Brevard is the only city that holds a White Squirrel Festival in their honor.
Each May the festival is a family oriented gathering to bring together a comraderie of folks who want to have fun and celebrate the uniqueness and love of the white squirrel.
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White Squirrel Festival Video
Brevard hosted it's 1st annual Squirrel Box Derby located on Jail House Road. There were three racer age groups from little kids to adult big kids.
White Squirrel Box Derby Race
During the festival I met Jennifer Burgin and Janice Burleson, licensed North Carolina wildlife rehabilitators. Unlike other animal rescue personnel Jennifer works primarily with squirrels, caring for over 200 in a year. Her work is not funded and is helped in part by her photos of white squirrels already matted and ready for framing. Jennifer can be contacted at skwurllady@bellsouth.net if you would like to purchase a photo and help in her work.
Pictured below is Elliot, a white squirrel which was rescued and is in Jennifer's permanent care.
White Squirrel Rescue Interview
