NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio (WJW) – A unique-looking deer was “spotted” in North Olmsted on Lorain Road, so Fox 8 News reached out to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to learn why the deer looks the way it does.
The deer was seen on Lorain Road by a Fox 8 News viewer. In the pictures sent by Hailie Martin, the deer looks as though it has white fur with brown markings, rather than mostly brown like a typical colored deer.
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You can also see several other deer walking with it, all with normal coloring.
According to ODNR Wildlife Communications Specialist Monika Bowman Bell, the deer spotted in North Olmsted most likely has a pigmentation anomaly called leucism, or the partial absence of melanin in the animal.
According to Bell, albinism is a complete lack of melanin, including the eyes. Unlike albinism, leucistic animal eyes are typically unaffected and may have dark hooves or other coloration, like spots.
According to Bell, leucism is a genetic phenotype caused by homozygosity of recessive alleles. It is not a disease but may increase predation due to lack of camouflage.
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Animals with leucism may also be affected by thermoregulatory issues and can be more susceptible to disease and UV damage.
According to Bell, this deer’s pigmentation is an “interesting wildlife phenomenon,” but does not cause much harm to the animal.
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