An Unusual Encounter

Groundhog
Marmota monax

What an interesting encounter this summer, crossing paths with a rare albino groundhog. Albinism is a genetic condition which occurs when two recessive genes get passed down to offspring that mutate to result in a lack of melanin or pigmentation in hair, skin, and eyes. They may have a white or blonde appearance, and eyes are notably translucent or pink/red. There is also the similar-looking genetic condition called leucism, which has much of the same characteristics with lack of color/melanin in skin and hair (and may only be partial), but eyes are unaffected and retain their melanin.

Sadly, wildlife with albinism are often at a significant disadvantage — eyesight is usually impaired affecting their ability to get food or detect dangers, a lack of camouflage leaves them more visible and vulnerable to predators, and then their rarity makes them a more desirable target for poachers/hunters.

I’ve seen leucistic American robins and white-tailed deer, but this I believe is my first albino wildlife sighting. Thankful to have had this gift of being able to observe and capture this unique critter with the camera, and hoping all the best for this groundhog throughout the rest of the season.