Sisters Pecan and Cashew were rescued earlier this year by Sonflower Ranch and Rescue after a homeowner discovered a family of raccoons in their wall. Due to their leucism, a genetic abnormality that causes partial pigment loss, the two raccoons are unlikely to survive in the wild.
Leucism is the partial loss of all types of pigmentation, including carotenoids. Leucism causes white coloration, white patches, spots, or splotches on the skin or fur. Leucism is also discernible from albinism because leucism does not affect the pigment cells in the eyes.
Hunh. I would’ve expected names like Luanne and Raylene for a couple of white trash pandas. 🤷🏼♂️ Maybe “Cashew” and “Pecan” are their stage names.