Twin Albino Whitetail Deer

[woodsy]

Albino deer are white and as rare as gold. If you ever see an all-white deer in the woods, you will be very lucky. These deer, called albino whitetails, are quite rare. Only one deer in 100,000 is born this way, say biologists. Chances of seeing one in the wild are very low. It might be easier finding a rare coin or a gold nugget in a stream.

So rare are albino deer that generations of American Indians thought them to be magical. The Indians had no way of knowing that all living things have cells, and within those cells are chromosomes and genes. Genes are what make us unique.

Albino deer have recessive genes. Both parents must carry the gene to have an albino fawn.

Another reason albino deer are so scarce is that few survive to become adults. Unlike normal fawns born tan-colored with spots that help conceal them, all-white albino deer stand out in the woods. They are easily caught and eaten by predators. Albino whitetails also have poor eyesight, which further reduces their chance of survival.

Not every white deer you see is an albino. True albino whitetails have pink eyes and light-colored hooves. Many hunters see what they think are albino deer but are actually piebald whitetails. These animals have white as well as dark patches of hair in various amounts. Piebald deer are much more common that albino deer.

The opposite of albinism in whitetails is melanism. Melanism means an increased amount of black or nearly black pigmentation of skin, feathers or hair. Dark or even black deer are said to be melanistic. These deer have too much pigment in their eyes, hair and skin, rather than too little.

These photos are said to be taken in Minnesota,

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/v...5457361aol.jpg

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/v...5457361aol.jpg

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/v...5457361aol.jpg

[Furlough]

Cool pics. In comparison the attached must be a piebald then. http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/wb_style/attach/jpg.gif

[yappy]

We saw a huge male Lynx crossing a frozen pond in Alaska a couple of days ago... very VERY cool ! he was a bigg boyy

[Wise Old Owl]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z_TvkB1-XeE

[Toolshed]

We have a slew of white deer at the old Seneca Army depot on Seneca Lake in Central NY, but I don't think they are albino. They have been breeding in semi-captivity since the 40's. I say semi captivity because they are enclosed in the compound, but there is a large forest/field component within the compound which has a perimeter of about 20 miles.

Sadly, For those who lived on and appreciated military bases, there is now a max security prison in the compound.

[emerald]

That's a lot of antler development for a yearling on the fraternal twin don't you think, woodsy?

[JonnyWalker]

I've seen a few half albino deer in SNP but never a full albino. I also saw a white spotted black bear on a hike this summe.

[woodsy]

Originally Posted by emerald

That's a lot of antler development for a yearling on the fraternal twin don't you think, woodsy?

Guy who took the pictures said they had been coming around for 2 years.
Add some calcium rich food to the backyard feeder and wala, spike horns.

[emerald]

Okay, so maybe they're not yearlings, but if they are identical twins, why does only one have antlers? What would be the odds of fraternal twins (a buck and doe?) both being albinos?

I posted a link to photos of piebald deer some time ago. Perhaps some haven't seen them.

[woodsy]

I dunno, maybe a 1/2 million to one ?

[mudhead]

Interesting hoof color.

Thanks for the pics.

[woodsy]

Originally Posted by Furlough

Cool pics. In comparison the attached must be a piebald then. http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/wb_style/attach/jpg.gif

Fits the description, and somewhat rare also. Have not seen a Piebald in the woods.

Like your signature line too , might have to adopt it.

[ATBuddy]

Originally Posted by JonnyWalker

I've seen a few half albino deer in SNP but never a full albino. I also saw a white spotted black bear on a hike this summe.

You mean a Piebald right?

[lamarr]

I think I'm willing to call BS on these pics.Putting the questionable antlers aside,the "twins" wouldn't be travelling together after 2 years.

[Mrs Baggins]

Originally Posted by lamarr

I think I'm willing to call BS on these pics.Putting the questionable antlers aside,the "twins" wouldn't be travelling together after 2 years.

My husband used to hunt deer and has explained to me about when the males get their antlers, how long moms and babies stay together, etc.....I have to agree with you. My very first thought on seeing this pic was also "antlers are way too big." And that they were still together at that age? Probably not.