For many animals, fur is essential because it offers much-needed insulation from the cold. Additionally, it gives them their unique appearances; there are some creatures that you might not even identify when they are fully bald.
A more rarer critter that resembles a hairless cat was just taken up by rescuers. Continue reading to find out more about this unusual species and her improbable survival.
The strangest animal was adopted by Hope for Wildlife, a charitable conservation organization in Nova Scotia, last month. A couple in West Arichat found the animal, suffering in the cold, in their backyard, according to the Canadian Press.
The creature appears to be a Sphynx cat at first glance, but it’s actually a fully hairless raccoon!
Without their distinctive fur pattern that resembles a mask, raccoons are definitely difficult to identify. This small animal, a northern raccoon, suffers from severe alopecia, which has left it entirely bald.
There have been examples of balding raccoons in the past, but nothing like this, according to the rescue: “It’s just tufts of fur around the snout, ankles and feet.” The Canadian Press was informed by Hope Swinimer, director of Hope for Wildlife, that the situation was serious.
Despite being female, the raccoon has been named Rufus in honor of the character from the Kim Possible cartoon who is a naked mole rat.
The rescue said on Facebook that they are still in the process of diagnosing the reason for her hair loss and that it might be an autoimmune condition causing harm to her hair follicles. Not only did they rule out fungal infections, mange, and parasites, but they also noted that her skin looked healthy.
Since raccoons rely on their fur to remain warm and shield their skin from the weather, Rufus’s survival for this extended period of time astounded the rescuers.
“We are astonished that this small lady survived the winter without fur and without getting frostbite or worse!” the Facebook post stated.
They went on to say that she was “her own doing” and that she had a “feisty” personality. Nevertheless, given that she was apparently “down and out upon arrival,” it appears that she was saved just in time.
For a few brief hours, we were in a panic, but then she became hungry and came out. We’ve noticed a significant change since she first came, and she’s becoming really feisty now, Swinimer told The Canadian Press.
Given the situation, Rufus may end up staying at the shelter permanently. In addition to having a dedicated habitat, an outside area with a place to crawl into for warmth, and other facilities like hammocks and nesting boxes, Rufus will have all of these.
We’ve never before seen a raccoon without hair! Rufus’s prolonged survival in the wild is amazing, and we’re happy that she was discovered and is receiving quality care.
The Unfortunate Truth About Brandi Glanville’s Appearance
Former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Brandi Glanville recently shocked fans by sharing a raw, unfiltered selfie of her face, revealing significant swelling and discoloration. The candid post on December 7 sparked an outpouring of concern from her followers, with many expressing worry about her wellbeing.
In the photo posted to X (formerly Twitter), Brandi showcased her swollen and uneven face, a stark depiction of the health struggles she’s been facing for the past year and a half. Accompanying the image, she wrote, “What happened? I wish I knew. I’ve spent nearly every dime I have trying to figure it out and have been in and out of the hospital.”
Brandi explained that while some doctors suspect a parasite might be the cause of her facial swelling, others believe it could be stress-induced edema. She lightheartedly added, “I personally say it’s Bravo,” referencing the network behind her reality TV fame.
The star first opened up about her health issues earlier in 2023 during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. She revealed that her symptoms included severe facial swelling, difficulty speaking, and a loss of taste. After consultations with multiple medical professionals, she was diagnosed with stress-induced angioedema, a condition that causes sudden swelling and resembles anaphylactic shock.
Brandi’s ongoing health problems, compounded by legal battles and personal stress, have taken a toll on her mental and physical state. “This is the cause of my misery and depression,” she shared. “I won’t even show you the photo of it sinking in. You would die from stress.”
Her openness has left fans both concerned and confused about the root cause of her health challenges. Many of her followers attribute her struggles to the immense stress she’s endured, particularly related to her ongoing legal disputes and her turbulent relationship with Bravo.
Despite the challenges, Brandi’s transparency has inspired support and well-wishes from fans eager to see her recover and regain her health.
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