The story goes that a pair of black squirrels came to town with a carnival in 1912, and a boy opened their cage and turned them loose. Over the years, their numbers have increased through inbreeding and breeding with eastern gray squirrels. The black squirrel is the official mascot of Marysville, and these little guys are given the right of way all over town.

They've also achieved celebrity status. Beginning in 2016, more than 50 colorful fiberglass black squirrels, painted by local artists to depict pieces of Marysville's history and culture, have appeared throughout town. For more information, see the Black Squirrel Interpretive Site in City Park at 10th and Walnut.