Forest Ninjas

I often refer to black squirrels as ninjas of the forest or forest ninjas. A ninja, at least in our popular stories of today, usually dresses in black to conceal his movements, and moves with great stealth. The best of them give the illusion that they're invisible to the rest of us. They carry out their mission without ever leaving a trace.

Well, a forest ninja, or black squirrel, has many of these same qualities. In the deep forest these black squirrels are very difficult to ever see. A humans eyes have enough trouble, and a camera always has a lot of trouble focusing on these stealthy little creatures. Getting a photo of a black squirrel when the leaves are on the trees is one of the most difficult things ever to do.

Take a look at the photo above. There is a black squirrel there, but he is not the easiest thing to see. Go ahead and click the picture if you need to see it better. The light has many shadows lurking in it, and the black squirrel uses it well.

Here's another picture you might want to click on to make it bigger. Go ahead and get a closer look. The squirrel is actually easy to see here. But are you really seeing a whole squirrel? What you really see is only a black silhouette. The squirrel is so dark that he has become only a shadow. Almost invisible. Like a ghost.

Even the eyes are black on these black squirrels. They are very hard to see when they hide. I think that's why they seem to thrive in certain small areas, but are never seen in most others. This is an example of a very specialized creature. Most squirrels are a shade of brown, and that serves them well. But these black squirrel forest ninjas have their own special color. They demonstrate more of the wonderful variety of nature. I'm glad they exist, aren't you?