These two specimens were found DOR (Dead on Road).  The one on your right was found in February of 1987 and frozen until the summer of 1988 when the one your left was found.     The 1987 specimen was skinned and prepared as a museum mount (see stuffed eyes) but its skin was later attacked by an insect pest and the fur lost.  At that time, the other was considered too damaged to prepare and after sampling a few hairs was discarded. Unfortunately, all that remains     of these two are these pictures.  Yet, they provide a good example of the variation that exists in the pigmentation pattern, i.e., head patch and dorsal strip, especially when you consider that they were not chosen to demonstrate this.  The 1988 specimen seems to have pigmentation on the paws     as well but it is uncertain from the pictures.  We have another half dozen specimens in the freezer awaiting preparation.  When they are ready, we will measure the areas of the head patch and widths of the dorsal patch to obtain a quantitive estimate of the variance in these features. Although we will     not harm any living squirrels to obtain such information, we are in need of additional DORs in good shape and will promptly pick up any you report.  Call 883-8292 extension 2301.