Marionville is known for its white squirrels

Marionville sits in eastern Lawrence County, and it is known for its white squirrels. You can spot them around town, and the people who live there look out for them.

The origin story stays a little mysterious in the best local-history way. The Missouri Department of Conservation notes old guesses about Florida squirrels, a circus wagon, or captive breeding, but says no one really knows why a white-squirrel population has been in Marionville since the mid-1800s.

The Missouri Department of Conservation says most biologists call these eastern gray squirrels, a common Missouri species that just happens to be white. They are not true albinos. True albinos have pink eyes, and Marionville’s squirrels do not.

The town protects them too. A city ordinance tells drivers to yield the right of way to white squirrels. Anyone who tries to hurt or kill one on purpose can be fined $1,000.

Why do they keep thriving here? The Conservation Department points to one reason: people. Residents feed them, slow down for them, and treat them as part of the town. MDC’s old viewing advice is still sensible: look around the middle of town on foot, especially in the morning or early evening. If you want the exact wording of the local rules, check with the Marionville city office.