You have about the same odds of seeing a white racoon in the wild as a unicorn, but the difference is white racoons really exist. Raccoons are well-known wild animals in the United States. But did you know that there's such a thing as white raccoons? Yes folks, albino raccoons are extremely rare. In fact, a raccoon has a 1 in 10,000 chance of being born with albinism, resulting in the albino raccoon: it's a regular raccoon but with all white fur, pink eyes, and a pink nose.
A genetic mutation causes the rare albino raccoon to have the all-white coloration; these little critters don't have the traditional black and gray colored coat, and of course, the notable black "bandit mask." The albino raccoon's all-white or off-white appearance goes all the way down to their feet, and also covers their hands.
How Rare Are White Raccoons?
The white raccoon is quite a rare sight indeed! So rare in fact, wildlife experts say that the chances of seeing an albino raccoon is 1 in 750,000 — that's the same odds as getting struck by lightning!
These raccoons are so rare that, in all honesty, most people don't even know this rare animal exists. Let alone spot one!
With that being said, there have been rare sightings of the white raccoon before. Take albino raccoon "Blanca" for example. This little critter made the news last year when it was found in a residential backyard in East Northport, a town in New York's Long Island. According to Janine Bendicksen, Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation at Long Island's Sweet Briar Nature Center, albino raccoons are not only rare but they hardly get to live to adulthood because their bright coat color really doesn't allow the white raccoon to be camouflaged against its predators — essentially giving them away and making their survival chances lower than regular raccoons.
"They don't have their camouflage. They don't have what a normal raccoon would have, which would be the mask, and the coloration that would make him camouflaged." Bendicksen said.
Yes, with the odds of seeing an albino raccoon being 1 in 750,000, these white "trash pandas" are incredibly rare indeed — which is why, if you do see one, it'll definitely be an awe-striking surprise — just please don't go near it and treat it like you would a regular raccoon. These wild animals are no different than their traditional counterpart, except with a whiter coat. They might even be, dare I say, cute?
