Turns out albino raccoon sightings may not be so rare – at least around La Plata County.
Earlier this week, The Durango Herald published a story about a family coming across the supposedly evasive creature – albeit dead – near its home on Florida Mesa, south of Durango.
According to wildlife managers, the sighting is extremely rare. So much so, in fact, one report said people have a better chance of being struck by lightning than seeing an all-white raccoon.
But shortly after the story published, readers flooded the Herald’s inbox with stories and photos of their own sightings around La Plata County.
Peter Larsen said one female albino raccoon has taken to living in his basement. The animal hasn’t been around lately, but she’ll be back, he said.
“I usually chase her away,” he said.
Lori Herrera said: “Every year for the past 17 years, we have seen new babies and an older albino raccoon in our yard ... being struck by lightning seems more rare than an albino raccoon to me.”
Eva Duce said one entered her family’s house this summer by coming in through the dog door.
And Shone Valencia even posted a photo of a baby albino raccoon.
“We see them often here in Ignacio,” she wrote. “This little guy’s momma was hit by a car a few years back.”
jromeo@durangoherald.com
