The Crown Point community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of their beloved albino deer, affectionately named “Snow.” Recognized for her stunning white coat, Snow was tragically euthanized due to a series of unfortunate circumstances.
The Crown Point Police Department stated that the sequence of events began on Monday, March 25, with a report of an incident involving Snow. She was discovered with a severe leg injury, and despite the best efforts of local animal control and veterinarians, it was concluded that surgery would not be able to fix the damage.
Albinism is an extremely uncommon genetic condition in deer that leads to a deficiency of pigmentation. It is characterized by white fur, pink eyes, nose, and hooves. While piebald deer, which have a mix of white and brown fur, are more commonly seen, true albinism is only found in approximately one out of every 30,000 deer. This rarity makes the observation of an albino deer an especially remarkable occurrence, with the average person having less than a 0.003% chance of encountering one in the wild during their lifetime.
Snow has relocated since the incident, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has advised the public not to disturb her in order to improve her chances of recovery. The community’s involvement in the endeavor to rescue Snow highlights the importance of encountering such a rare wildlife species in the area. Her presence was not just an ordinary curiosity; it served as a source of awe in the Crown Point region. With Snow’s passing, the rarity of her species and the combined efforts to save her life are emphasized, prompting local residents to reflect on the delicate equilibrium of nature.