Squirrels aren’t a particularly exotic animal. The fluffy rodents are native to 49 out of 50 states. But there’s something that makes Michigan’s squirrels a little different–and it’s their color. Research suggests the state is part of a kind of Great Lakes “black squirrel belt.” On this episode of On Hand, we go looking for black squirrels–and talk to an evolutionary biologist about why Michigan has so many. 

(Tile photo by Corey Seeman. Check out more of Corey's black squirrel photos here.) 

GUESTS: 
Brad Consentino, Professor of Biology Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Corey Seeman, University of Michigan librarian and squirrel photographer
Jerry Wade, Detroit resident
Gabrielle Riley, Detroit resident
Kenny Stebner, Traverse City resident 

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:

Online Submission Form

Call us: 734-764-7840

Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Squirrels aren&rsquo;t a particularly exotic animal. The fluffy rodents are native to 49 out of 50 states. But there&rsquo;s something that makes Michigan&rsquo;s squirrels a little different&ndash;and it&rsquo;s their color. Research suggests the state is part of a kind of Great Lakes &ldquo;black squirrel belt.&rdquo; On this episode of&nbsp;On Hand, we go looking for black squirrels&ndash;and talk to an evolutionary biologist about why Michigan has so many.&nbsp;
(Tile photo by Corey Seeman. Check out more of Corey's black squirrel photos <a href="michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-12-04/black-squirrels">here</a>.)&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Brad Consentino, Professor of Biology Hobart and William Smith Colleges</li>
<li>Corey Seeman, University of Michigan librarian and squirrel photographer</li>
<li>Jerry Wade, Detroit resident</li>
<li>Gabrielle Riley, Detroit resident</li>
<li>Kenny Stebner, Traverse City resident&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a>
Call us: 734-764-7840
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: <a href="http://michiganpublic.org/podfund">michiganpublic.org/podfund</a>

Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.

To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.
To share a story or submit your questions, head to <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Advertisement