Black squirrels help Montreal scientists study urban evolution

A McGillled study in Montreal is using black and grey squirrels to better understand how city landscapes influence animal evolution. Researcher Francis QuangHai Dinh surveyed more than 800 squirrels across nearly 200 green spaces in the Montreal area, looking at how neighbourhood features affect coat colour. The study found that black squirrels are more common in colder northern areas, where darker fur may help them absorb heat. Tree cover also matters, since darker coats can provide better camouflage in denser forests. Senior author Allison Roth said the work shows cities are not uniform environments. Rivers, waterways, tree cover, and urban boundaries can create smallscale differences that shape how wildlife adapts within the same region.