Nov. 15, 2007

A LUCKY SIGHTING – A true albino deer was spotted recently near Swallow Falls State Park. Albinism is a result of inherited recessive genes from both parents and prevents the body from making the usual amounts of pigment melanin, which is responsible for skin, hair, and eye color. Being completely white all year long, an albino deer lacks the camouflaging that conceals it from predators. The genetic disease also causes poor eyesight, creating another strike against it when it comes to survival of the fittest. The hunting of albino deer is highly discouraged, as these creatures are so rare. Spotted with the albino deer was a suspected sibling showing white spots of its own. Photo by Garrett County resident Pam Glotfelty.

Looks like someone was spotlighting.  HMMMMMMMMMM!