77
Sisters Pecan and Cashew were rescued earlier this year by Sonflower Ranch and Rescue after a homeowner discovered a family of raccoons in their wall. Due to their leucism, a genetic abnormality that causes partial pigment loss, the two raccoons are unlikely to survive in the wild.
Leucism is the partial loss of all types of pigmentation, including carotenoids. Leucism causes white coloration, white patches, spots, or splotches on the skin or fur. Leucism is also discernible from albinism because leucism does not affect the pigment cells in the eyes.
Zebras have problems when they have genetic differences that make them unable to “camouflage” to blend in with the pack when predators attack.
I never really thought of raccoons as pack or herd animals. So I’m not sure why this would be an issue for them.