Protecting white deer doesn’t make biological sense. But it doesn’t really hurt, either.
QUESTION: I recently saw an albino buck and was going to add it to my hit list, but someone told me it’s illegal to shoot a white deer where I live. I’ve heard it’s bad luck, but is there a biological reason to protect them?
ANSWER: Protection of albino or piebald deer is purely out of superstition. Both are the result of recessive genetic traits. Obviously, coloration alone reduces these animals’ chance of survival since they’re more easily detected by predators.
In addition to hair color, these genes can also result in genetic anomalies like dorsal bowing of the muzzle (humped nose) and even skeletal deformities. As these genetic traits can be passed on, protecting white deer could lead to an increase in deer that are poorly suited to survive.
That said, the low numbers of white deer combined with the extra challenges they endure means there is little chance laws protecting them will dramatically change deer herds.
— Recent Ask the Biologist Question:
The Eyes Have It: Well, deer eyes have it. Our's don't. Find Out The Answer!