Scurry to Bowling Green for National Squirrel Appreciation Day

Celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day in Bowling Green, Kentucky, home to a large population of rare white squirrels. These busy and playful critters are Bowling Green’s unofficial ambassadors, serving as a unique symbol of this city where they’ve lived for more than eight decades. 

Bowling Green’s famed white squirrels are Eastern grey squirrels that have reduced pigmentation in their fur, meaning that the melanin that’s typically found in the fur of their grey cousins just didn’t make it into the coats of the Kentucky version. The characteristic, called “leucism,” is passed through a recessive gene. A squirrel with leucism can be easily distinguished from one with albinism based on eye color; Bowling Green’s squirrels have big, black eyes rather than pink ones.

In short, white squirrels are special and break some stereotypes … and we like to think that Bowling Green does that, too. It’s the third-largest city in Kentucky, but it doesn’t lean into the activities and attractions that travelers generally associate with the state. Yes, there’s a bourbon distillery and plenty of horse farms here, but this part of Kentucky is best known for horsepower of a different type … in the form of the iconic Corvette cars that have been manufactured here – and only here– since 1981.

Squirrels are a strong symbol in cultures around the globe. When we dove into learning about what the rodents mean to different people, we concluded that these white ones truly are the perfect symbol for Bowling Green, a Kentucky city that does things a little differently and really stands out in a crowd. Here are just a few examples:

·       In Native American cultures, the squirrel teaches us that it’s not necessary to travel far in search of what you need; it’s often right there next to you. If you’re seeking a fun and active getaway, Bowling Green is just an hour’s drive from Nashville and less than two hours from Louisville.

·       If you dream of a squirrel, it means that you’re ready to take on challenges or adopt a positive mindset. In modern spirituality, the squirrel represents the ability to roll with the punches and adapt to whatever might come your way. The people of Bowling Green regularly exhibit that resiliency and positive attitude and demonstrate that they know how to make lemonade out of lemons. Who else could have turned a sinkhole “eating” their famed National Corvette Museum a decade ago into an added attraction at the museum?

·       Squirrels also represent how natural elements can thrive in an urban environment, and Bowling Green offers an amazing balance between a busy city and a beautiful natural environment. The area’s famous caves are just minutes away from downtown, and one actually runs right beneath the city.

·       In Asian cultures, squirrels are considered a good omen, thought to bring luck and prosperity. Those cultures also believe that squirrels help bridge connections between different worlds. This is a city that offers plenty of fun above-ground, but which also encourages visitors to go underground on a cave tour and explore a world that most people don’t know a lot about. 

We should also note that white squirrels are not the only famous beings with a connection to Bowling Green. The city is also the hometown of horror film director John Carpenter, who knows a little something about getting up to mischief, and Duncan Hines, who was celebrated for his resourceful ways with food. Those are two more characteristics that can also be attributed to the beloved white squirrels! 

If you’re coming to town to get a peek at these friendly critters, it’s a sure bet that you’ll spot them on the campus of Western Kentucky University, where students and staff go out of their way to protect the animals. Another good place to look for them is on the grounds above Lost River Cave. In addition, local events and businesses have adopted the creatures as their namesake, from the White Squirrel Arts Fest held each spring to White Squirrel Brewery on State Street downtown. 

To begin planning your visit to Bowling Green, start by exploring the website for Visit BGKY.

Photo Credit: Visit Bowling Green