The Texas Black Fawn

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By Alex Robinson

Posted on Sep 15, 2010 8:54 PM EDT

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Photographer Richard Buquoi captured photos of this black whitetail fawn in a neighborhood north of Austin, Texas. All the deer pictured here are wild.
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The deer is melanistic, which means it's body produces an extra amount of melanin making it's hair turn black or very dark brown.
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This is the exact opposite of albinism.
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The black fawn's sibling is completely normal.
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Albino deer are somewhat common, but melanistic deer are much rarer. Richard has been shooting photos for more than 30 years and this is the first time he's ever seen a melanistic deer.
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In central Texas there have been several sightings of black deer, but most hunters around the country have never seen one of these deer in the wild.
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The deer appears totally healthy.
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So does the black deers sibling.
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To see more photos from Richard Buquoi visit his website here.