An extremely rare albino deer has captured the attention and fascination of Poolesville, Maryland residents after being spotted and shared in a local Facebook group. The sighting has sparked excitement and curiosity among community members, with many chiming in about the rare sighting.
Initially, some online commenters speculated that the deer might be a
piebald
, a similar-looking counterpart characterized by patches or spots of white hair on their otherwise brown coat. However, the photos of the deer confirmed that it is, in fact, an albino, distinguished by its completely white fur– a result of a genetic mutation in white-tailed deer.
Albino deer are incredibly rare, with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources estimating the odds of encountering one at about one in 30,000. This rarity makes the Poolesville sighting even more extraordinary, though some commented that a different albino deer has also been spotted in the area.
DelmarvaNow
reports that “of the roughly 220,000 deer in Maryland, there are probably 5,000 piebalds and 10 albinos.”
The person who discovered the albino deer is committed to its well-being, expressing a desire to protect the animal. They have even set up a feeder to ensure the mother deer is well-nourished, hoping to provide a safe environment for the exceptional creature.
While piebald and albino deer both suffer from physical abnormalities that can lead to shorter lifespans, the albino deer faces unique challenges due to its lack of pigmentation. This makes it more vulnerable to predators and environmental factors. In some states, laws have been enacted to protect these rare animals from hunting. However, Maryland does not currently have such protections in place for albino deer, making the community’s efforts to safeguard this deer all the more significant.
