The Southeast Missourian reports that several people have spotted a rare albino deer. As with all deer, the sighting of albino deer increase during the fall. The increased activity of hunters also makes them more active.
"It is breeding season," Duckworth said. "The leaves are falling from the trees and the deer are not as well hidden. They are also feeding and storing food reserves."
White deer are caused by a recessive trait that requires the gene to be present in both parents. Cape Girardeau County Conservation officer Russell Duckworth said only 1 percent of deer are born albino.
Albino dear are less likely to survive in the wild because their white coat makes it easier for predators to see. Though they are rare, it is legal to hunt albino deer. Less rare are piebald deer.
Piebald deer have some patches of white hair but are otherwise normally colored like white tailed deer. In some parts of the country these deer are referred to as "pintos" with varying amounts of white and brown, much like a pinto horse.
All deer pose a threat to Missouri drivers. For saftey tips see Avoid deer.
Road safety information:
Missouri Department of Transportation
Missouri Winter Driving Tips
2010-2012 Missouri State Map. Copies of the map can be requested by calling 888-275-6636.
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Comments
How beautiful! A joy to see.
What beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing these with us. I also learned something. I had never heard of a piebald deer.
Magnificent!
They're truly beautiful.
Like the slide show. They are pretty cool looking.
They look almost artificial.
Nice. Last time I saw an albino deer was in a Pennsylvania wild animal park.
Patsy, what great photos of the albino deer. Nature is truly incredible. Yours bring to mind the photos that Kathy (my wife and writing partner - she writes about luxury travel) took of the albino baby baboon in Africa. Anyway, thanks for taking a look at my site over here in Raleigh. My series on Antarctica has been a blast to put together; I just posted Part 11! Keep up the great work.
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