Pinto Bean (squirrel)
Pinto Bean was an eastern gray squirrel on the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign that was renowned and named for its rare piebald pattern. It died in Champaign on October 8, 2022, presumably due to a motor vehicle collision.[1] Pinto Bean has been called a "minor celebrity"[2] and a "grassroots, unofficial mascot" for the university.[1] During a home football game against Minnesota, a tribute to Pinto Bean was shown on the jumbotron at Memorial Stadium.[3]
 Pinto Bean in Champaign, October 2022 | |
| Species | Eastern gray squirrel |
|---|---|
| Died | October 8, 2022 Springfield Avenue, Champaign, Illinois, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Motor vehicle collision |
| Known for | Distinctive piebald pattern, media appearances and tributes |
| Residence | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
Pattern
An eastern gray squirrel,[4] Pinto Bean was named for its distinctive mixture of gray fur with patches of unpigmented white fur, which resembled the appearance of pinto beans.[1] According to Illinois Natural History Survey director Eric Shauber, this was the result of a rare genetic mutation that affected where melanin was distributed in the squirrel's body.[5] Shauber said the mutation was rare enough to assume that there was only one such squirrel on campus.[1]
Death and taxidermy
Pinto Bean was found dead on the side of Springfield Avenue in Champaign on October 8, 2022.[6] Its cause of death was presumably a vehicular collision.[1][2] News of its death quickly spread on the r/UIUC subreddit and other social media. One user, Champaign resident Clark Jackson, retrieved the squirrel's remains and delivered them to a taxidermist in Bloomington in an effort to preserve the squirrel.[2][7]
As of March 27, 2023, Pinto Bean's taxidermied remains are on display at the Forbes Natural History Building on the south side of the university's campus.[8]
Tributes
During Illinois's October 15, 2022, home football game against Minnesota, the jumbotron at Memorial Stadium displayed a tribute to Pinto Bean at halftime.[3] The screen displayed an image of Pinto Bean, accompanied by the message: "RIP to Pinto Bean the Squirrel, forever in our hearts."[3]
The Illini Wildlife and Conservation Club held a moment of silence in remembrance of Pinto Bean.[1] Students and community members shared many tributes and eulogies on r/UIUC.[2]
References
- Simmons, Ethan (October 13, 2022). "Farewell to 'Pinto Bean,' UI's precious piebald squirrel". The News-Gazette. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
- Zimmerman, Bradley (October 12, 2022). "U of I students mourn death of rare squirrel". WCIA.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
- Schofield, Mark (October 15, 2022). "Illinois football's best season in years is a tribute to a beloved squirrel named Pinto Bean". SBNation.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
- Mentrek, Chris. "What type of squirrel looks like this?". Geauga Park District. Archived from the original on February 18, 2023. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
- Brennan, Amanda (September 6, 2022). "Meet the piebald squirrel running around the UI campus". WCIA.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
- Salas, Lillie (October 17, 2022). "In loving memory of Pinto Bean". The Daily Illini. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
- Buckley, Alyssa (October 14, 2022). "Rare campus squirrel will be preserved through taxidermy". Smile Politely — Champaign-Urbana's Culture Magazine. Archived from the original on February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
- Zimmerman, Bradley (March 27, 2023). "Famous squirrel memorialized on U of I campus". WCIA.com. Retrieved March 28, 2023.