Consider yourself lucky if you see this ‘ghostly’ animal in Pa.: Game Commission

The albino groundhog just got a big message in Pennsylvania.

The rare and unique mammal was highlighted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) this Halloween season due to its “ghostly nature.”

“Ghost” because, according to the PGC, of ​​the 66 wild animals in the state, the albino marmot is described as so rare that many residents will never have the chance to see one in their lifetime.

So what’s the deal with this animal?

Well, according to the PGC Facebook post, it all comes down to a difference between leucistic and albino animals. Albinos have a total lack of pigmentation caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the production of melanin, a natural substance that gives color to the skin and makes them appear white and have pink or red eyes.

But if the animal is leucistic, it means that it has partial loss of pigmentation and results in white coloring, or white spots or spots.

“Leucistic animals do not lose eye color, which makes eye color a good way to determine whether the animal is albino or leucistic,” explained the PGC. “Albinism and leucism occur in many wild species, although the animals are relatively rare.”

Albinos and leucistic animals likely have higher predation rates as they have more difficulty blending in with their habitat, as well as having a short lifespan.

But with all that said, all of this doesn’t take away from how expansive the animal kingdom is.

“This groundhog reminds us of the incredible diversity of the animal world,” noted the PGC.