I live on the west side of Evansville, in an area where it is not uncommon at all to see deer. I can't count how many times we have seen these beautiful creatures hanging out in our backyard - and still, to this day it is cool every single time. I hope I never get to the point where I am not impressed by those sightings. Something that I think we would all be impressed to see is an albino deer. Chip Parsons saw one recently and was smart enough to snap a couple of pictures.

Facebook/Charles Parsons
Facebook/Charles Parsons
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How Rare Are Albion Deer?

There are actually two questions to ask/answer here: 1) How rare are albino deer, and 2) How rare it is to see an albino deer? The simple answers would be really rare, and even rarer. Let me explain.

The first answer would be that the chances of a deer being born albino are about one in 25,000 which seems pretty rare to me. Because they are completely white and have no natural camouflage, albino deer don't seem to live as long as other deer, making it even more difficult to see one in the wild (that's the answer to the second question).

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The albino deer that Chip photographed is actually a repeat visitor. Chip tells me that he grabbed some pics of the same deer (I have to assume it's the same one, as opposed to a second albino deer) last summer too. Knowing what we now know makes this encounter even more impressive.

Facebook/Charles Parsons
Facebook/Charles Parsons
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Can You Shoot an Albino Deer?

The answer to whether or not you can and/or should shoot an albino deer has some layers to it, so I'll just share what the folks at A-Z-Animals.com have to say about it...

The answer to this question depends on what you believe in and the restrictions of the area you’re hunting in. Many hunters believe that shooting an albino deer may put it out of its misery since its life is most probably a great struggle because of the health issues albinism comes with. However, the albino deer’s spiritual meaning may stop hunters from killing them, as they are sacred animals, and killing them would bring misfortune.

SEE: 15 Animals You Cannot Own in Evansville

I got the idea for this after seeing an article by Michelle Heart with our Townsquare Media sister-station, 107.9 Lite-FM in Boise, Idaho. She had discovered several animals residents in that city can't own based on city codes she found online which got me thinking about whether Evansville had any regulations that were similar. Obviously, they did or this article wouldn't exist. Chapter 14, Article 3, section 42 and 43 spell out a lengthy list of exotic animals you can get in trouble owning if local officials find out. You can see the entire list on the city's website. These are the 15 I found to be the most interesting.

Gallery Credit: Ryan O'Bryan

Animals You Might Encounter in The Wild in Indiana

There is no shortage of stunning wildlife in Indiana. Here are six species native to the state that you might encounter the next time you head outside.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals

Orphaned Deer Befriends Indiana Man and Becomes Part Of His Family

Lady met Steve as a tiny fawn and as she grew, so did her love for Steve and his family.

Gallery Credit: Leslie Morgan

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