News Summary
Gary Young, a resident of Northeast Memphis, has reported numerous sightings of a rare albino raccoon in his backyard over the past year. The chances of encountering such a raccoon are about 1 in 750,000. Young’s excitement grew as he captured a photograph of the animal during one of his sightings. He has reached out to wildlife officials for assistance as community interest in the raccoon continues to rise, highlighting the importance of understanding local wildlife and conservation efforts.
Memphis
A Northeast Memphis man, Gary Young, has reported multiple sightings of a rare albino raccoon in his backyard over the past year, raising interest among wildlife enthusiasts. Young has distinctly sighted the raccoon on at least three occasions, with the most recent encounter occurring just a week ago. During one sighting, he successfully captured a photograph of the unusual animal.
The odds of encountering an albino raccoon in the wild are estimated at about 1 in 750,000, making such a sighting almost as rare as being struck by lightning. This rarity is attributed to the condition of albinism, which is characterized by a lack of pigment in the skin, fur, and eyes, leading to a striking white appearance. Wildlife experts estimate that the likelihood of a raccoon being born with this genetic condition is between 1 in 10,000 and 1 in 20,000.
Young’s Experiences
Gary Young first noticed the albino raccoon when it appeared at his back porch to eat cat food he had left out for local pets. His initial surprise quickly turned into excitement, as he expressed that witnessing an albino raccoon was a first-time experience for him. In addition to the rare sighting, Young has observed several other regular raccoons frequenting his backyard, including a mother raccoon and her five or six young.
Attempts to Report
In his interest to understand more about the albino raccoon, Young reached out to Tennessee Wildlife officials seeking assistance in possibly capturing the animal, but he has yet to receive a response. The elusive raccoon has become a topic of fascination for Young, leading him to believe it may have originated from the nearby Shelby Farms area, known for its diverse wildlife.
Ecological Implications
Albino animals often face a range of challenges in the wild, including higher vulnerability to predators due to their lack of camouflage and increased susceptibility to sunburns and eye problems. Wildlife experts advise that while it may be tempting to capture or relocate such rare creatures, it is crucial to consult wildlife officials to ensure their safety and well-being.
Community Interest
Young’s sightings have sparked conversations within the local community, leading to a growing interest in the region’s wildlife. Many residents are keen to learn more about the dynamics of raccoon populations and the impact of rare genetic conditions like albinism. Education regarding local wildlife can further promote understanding and coexistence between animals and humans, especially in urban settings.
As the fascination continues to grow, Gary Young’s experiences serve as a reminder of the extraordinary surprises nature can hold even within urban environments. The rarity of the albino raccoon not only captivates wildlife aficionados but also presents an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation and the maintenance of biodiversity in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WREG: Rare Albino Raccoon Spotted in Northeast Memphis
- Wikipedia: Raccoon
- WWMT: Rare Albino Raccoon Captured in Tennessee
- Google Search: Albino Raccoon
- WREG: Hotel Residential Development Planned at Central Cooper
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Albinism
- WREG: Duo Accused of Stealing $4K Worth of Cigarettes from Gas Station
- Google News: WREG News
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
