DENVER ( KDVR ) — A white squirrel with a rare genetic condition was spotted in a Centennial backyard.
Arapahoe County shared photos of the squirrel Wednesday and said its Open Spaces Department believes the squirrel is leucistic.
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Leucism is a genetic condition that makes animals lack pigment for part or all of their bodies. Their skin and hair are typically white, and unlike albinos, their eyes will be normal.
Leucism is slightly more common than albinism. According to the White Squirrel Institute , leucism causes a partial loss of pigmentation but does not affect all pigments, just fur. Meanwhile, albinism affects all pigments and is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the production of melanin, which is the pigment that colors skin, fur and eyes.
It’s a recessive genetic trait, and “a rare sight to see,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife wrote in a post about a leucistic squirrel spotted at Staunton State Park in 2021 …