An all-white raccoon has become a cherished visitor for one Reddit user, but the unusual sightings have also raised concerns about the animals' safety.
After five years of visits, the poster is keeping their location private, concerned that novelty hunters could target them.
Here's what to know
A poster on Reddit shared an image of a raccoon described as albino.
While the post's title described an annual visitor, the replies suggested that more than one white raccoon had appeared in the neighborhood. The poster believes the animals may represent multiple generations, though that family connection has not been confirmed.
One commenter noted the challenges posed by the animal's distinctive appearance.
"Sweet baby. It's hard out there, especially when you don't blend in."
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More background
"I'm pretty sure this one is next of kin, as I've seen a couple of them in this neighborhood - the OG one I called Phantom. She would only come out around 3 in the morning," the original poster wrote.
In another reply, the poster said they saw three white raccoons together and noted that the animal they described as the original mother had not appeared.
Another comment raised the possibility that a later visitor was Pinky's offspring, but the commenter was unsure of the connection. Their child had named a white raccoon that previously visited Pinky.
What can be done?
"I know! I try to avoid disclosing their location because I'm concerned about the potential for novelty hunting," the poster wrote.
The thread does not document a hunting incident or a specific threat. Still, the poster worries that drawing attention to the conspicuous animals in a residential neighborhood could attract unwanted visitors.
The account does not establish why the raccoons visit or whether human activity brought them to the area.
In many instances, lack of natural habitat continues to drive animals closer to neighborhoods and businesses.
Responding to a commenter who celebrated the apparent generations of visitors, the poster wrote, "I always feel appreciative and at ease when they come around."
Where can I learn more?
Other unusually colored animals have sparked similar fascination, while some raccoon encounters have called for help. These stories feature albino animals, a piebald squirrel, and a raccoon rescue.
• A woman cares for an albino porcupine with poor vision and little natural camouflage.
• A backyard squirrel's rare piebald coat prompted Reddit users to call it a 'calico squirrel.'
• A North Carolina resident saved a baby raccoon from a dog's mouth and sought rehabilitation help.
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