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 Mil

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