Did you know there are two unique types of deer with distinct characteristics? One is the albino deer, completely white with pink eyes, nose, and hooves due to a complete lack of pigmentation. The other is the piebald deer, which is more common and features patches or spots of white on its otherwise normal fur. Studies suggest that about one in 1,000 deer are piebald, while only one in 30,000 is albino, making albino deer extremely rare.
In November 2020, a Wisconsin resident named Tracy Weese had an extraordinary encounter when a rare albino whitetail buck wandered into her snow-covered yard in Boulder Junction. Tracy captured some breathtaking photos of this stunning animal, quickly gaining popularity online.
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The deer was confirmed to be albino, not piebald. Tracy explained that the brown patches on its head resulted from the deer rubbing its head and antlers on trees, which caused it to shed the white velvet that had covered them. Additionally, the brown stain on the deer’s leg came from its tarsal gland, which secretes a scent during the rutting (mating) season to attract mates.
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Whitetail deer can grow to impressive sizes, standing six to seven feet tall and weighing up to 300 pounds (about 136 kg). In Wisconsin, albino deer are protected by law, making hunting illegal. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources prohibits hunters from shooting deer with entirely white fur unless the animal has distinct coloration in other areas, such as markings on its tarsal glands or head. As a result, hunters must exercise caution to avoid mistakenly targeting these rare and protected animals.
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While white-tailed deer typically live for six to 14 years, albino deer often have shorter lifespans due to health issues and increased predator vulnerability. Unfortunately, many albino and piebald deer face challenges that prevent them from surviving to adulthood.
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Seeing an albino deer is a unique and rare experience, something most people will only witness once in their lifetime. What do you think about this majestic sigh? Please let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to like and share this remarkable story!
Source Credits: Aubtu
