Two unusual varieties of deer with distinctive characteristics are albino and piebald. Albino deer have no pigmentation and are completely white with pink eyes, noses, and hooves. More common are piebald deer, which have white patches on their usual fur. Piebald deer are about one in 1,000, whereas albino deer are only about one in 30,000. Tracy Weese of Wisconsin spotted a rare albino deer buck in her snowy Boulder Junction yard in November 2020. Her photos of the beautiful animal became viral on the internet very fast.
It turned out that the deer was albino rather than piebald. According to Tracy, it rubbed against trees and shed white velvet, so it had brown patches on its head. Its legs have black patches because its tarsal glands release smells when it ruts to attract mates.
Whitetail deer can reach heights of six to seven feet and weigh up to 300 pounds. The law in Wisconsin defends albino deer. Hunters need to use caution to avoid shooting protected species since deer with entirely white fur cannot be shot unless they have visible marks.
White-tailed deer span six to fourteen years of life. Because of their health issues and increased susceptibility to predators, albino deer frequently have shorter lifespans. Many are never able to become adults.
Tim Vanden Heuvel, Northern Wisconsin (photo used for illustration)
You only get to see albino deer once in a lifetime. It is possible that many people may never see such a unique and beautiful sight in their lifetime. For those fortunate enough to see it, its beauty and uniqueness make every experience unique and unforgettable.
