Got lucky with this shot. This is the rare albino hedgehog, which I stumbled upon by accident one night while taking the dog for a walk. In the UK there are estimated to be only about a hundred of them. This one is even rarer still, as it has pink eyes and not blues ones. The belief that they all have pink eyes is a popular misconception.

Their colouration is caused by a recessive gene, which occurs in one in every 10,000. It is not passed on to the next generation unless two come together to mate. Standing out in the crowd they are prone to predation.

I gave it a home in the garden initially, but soon it had other ideas. Hopefully it's out there now somewhere in the great unknown getting ready for hibernation.

Tags:   Nature Through The Lens

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This is the rare albino hedgehog. In the UK there are estimated to be as few as five hundred. This one is rarer still, as contrary to popular belief not all have pink eyes as this one does, for most have blue eyes.

The albino trait is caused by a recessive gene, which occurs in one in every 10,000 hedgehogs, and which is not passed on to the next generation unless two mate. Unfortunately, because of their white colouration they are prone to predation, which limits their numbers further still.

Many thanks for your visits, comments and faves which are greatly appreciated.

Tags:   coth5 Nature Through The Lens Sunrays+5

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This is the one I stumbled across some time ago while taking my dog for a walk, which I spent time photographing. Tonight he showed up on the front lawn at my feeding station. I was hoping he would eventually. They are extremely rare, especially ones with pink eyes like this one.

I stepped out to take a quick snap. He didn't flinch but in the glare of the street light posed nicely. I liked to think he recognised me. No doubt he was grateful for a free handout and especially a drink as its been so dry this month. Minutes later he was on his way again.

Many thanks for your interest and comments.

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This is the rare albino hedgehog. I stumbled upon it while taking the dog for a walk. In the UK there are estimated to be as few as five hundred. This one is rarer still, as contrary to popular belief not all have pink eyes as this one does, for most have blue eyes.

The albino trait is caused by a recessive gene, which occurs in one in every 10,000 hedgehogs, and which is not passed on to the next generation unless two mate. Unfortunately, because of their white colouration they are prone to predation, which limits their numbers further still.

Many thanks for your visits, comments and faves which are greatly appreciated.

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