Piebald Black-Tailed Deer, Pierce County, Washington

A piebald Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) stands in a field in Pierce County, Washington. Piebaldism is caused by a genetic mutation that affects less than 2 percent of deer. Piebaldism differs from albinism in that piebald animals have cells that can produce pigment, but those cells don't. Piebald deer have a relatively low survival rate because they also often suffer from other deformities, particularly leg and spine issues.

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A piebald Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) stands in a field in Pierce County, Washington. Piebaldism is caused by a genetic mutation that affects less than 2 percent of deer. Piebaldism differs from albinism in that piebald animals have cells that can produce pigment, but those cells don't. Piebald deer have a relatively low survival rate because they also often suffer from other deformities, particularly leg and spine issues.