A rare albino raccoon has been spotted in the Valley.

Wildlife experts estimate that one of every 10,000 to 20,000 raccoons born will be albino. At the same time, the odds of seeing an albino raccoon are even more rare, with some estimates claiming odds of seeing one in the wild of around one in every 750,000. 

The raccoon has been spotted several times in Smith Township, which is in the southwest corner of Mahoning County.

What causes albinism in animals? 

Melanin is a pigment in humans and animals that determines their hair, eye, and skin color.

An animal born with a genetic mutation that prevents the production of melanin, resulting in white or pale skin, fur, hair, and pink or red eyes due to the visibility of blood vessels.

Other albino animals, like deer, have been spotted in Mill Creek Metroparks for more than a decade. 

Other abino raccoons in Ohio

In 2015, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History took in a rare baby albino raccoon, which became a resident at the museum.

According to the museum, the rare raccoon became dependent on humans and wouldn't have survived on its own. The museum cited that the animal became too reliant on humans and wouldn't have survived on its own. 

Another reason that albino animals are rarely seen is that predators can easily spot animals that don't have coloring to blend in with their surroundings. 

While normally raccoons are nocturnal, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History also says that healthy raccoons can also be seen during the day if they are unable to find enough food at night. Alternatively, mothers with babies may forage for extra food during daylight hours.