Fur serves as more than just a fashionable accessory for animals; throughout the winter, it keeps them warm. It also adds to their unique appearance. But did you know that when an animal is entirely bald, their appearance can change significantly?
Last month, Hope for Wildlife, a nonprofit conservation organization with headquarters in Nova Scotia, welcomed an unexpected visitor. A couple in West Arichat discovered a shivering animal on their farm during the extremely cold winter. At first glance, the animal looked like a Sphynx cat, but it was actually a hairless raccoon!
When their characteristic mask-like fur pattern is absent, raccoons are hard to identify. Due to severe alopecia, this little animal—a northern raccoon—is completely bald. Hope Swinimer, director of Hope for Wildlife, said that while balding raccoons had been spotted before, this one had the worst condition. She replied that it’s just little tufts of fur around the nose, ankles, and feet. This is a dangerous situation.
Despite being a female, the raccoon was given the name Rufus in honor of the character from the television show Kim Possible who was a nude mole rat. Rufus’s hair loss has an exact cause that is still unknown. Her hair follicles may be being harmed by an autoimmune condition, the rescue group speculates. They eliminated out disorders including parasites, mange, and fungal illnesses because her skin was healthy.
Raccoons rely on their fur to protect them from the elements and keep them warm. The rescuers were amazed that Rufus survived the harsh winter without fur and did not suffer frostbite or worse.
On Facebook, they exclaimed, “We’re pretty amazed that this little lady survived the winter without fur and without getting frostbite or worse.” They continued discussing Rufus’ exuberant demeanor and asserted that her survival was solely due to her own determination. Even though she was severely disabled at first, she gradually started to show signs of recovery and gained strength and resilience.
Given the circumstances, Rufus might wind up being at the refuge indefinitely. She will have a special habitat with a crawl space outdoors that she can use to stay warm. The surroundings will also include comforts like hammocks and nesting boxes.
We are in utter awe of this incredible hairless raccoon! We’re glad Rufus was found and is now receiving the care she deserves. Her ability to survive in the wild for such a long period is astounding.If you are an animal lover, please tell people about this wonderful story!
