This Hairless Animal Was Rescued From the Cold — You Won’t Believe What It Is
Fur is crucial for most animals, keeping them warm and protected while giving them their signature look. But what happens when an animal loses its coat entirely? Sometimes, the result is astonishing — almost unrecognizable.
Recently, wildlife rescuers encountered a truly extraordinary animal: a creature that looks like a hairless cat but is actually one of nature’s rarer sights.
Found Shivering in a Backyard
Last month, Hope for Wildlife, a Nova Scotia-based wildlife rehabilitation nonprofit, took in a very unusual animal. A local couple in West Arichat discovered the creature in their backyard, shivering in the cold.
At first glance, it looked like a Sphynx cat. But upon closer inspection, rescuers realized it was a bald raccoon, a rarity in the wild.
Raccoons are typically recognized by their thick fur and distinctive mask-like markings. This little female raccoon, however, had lost nearly all of her hair due to severe alopecia, leaving only tiny tufts around her face, feet, and tail.
“We’ve seen raccoons with patchy fur before, but nothing this extreme,” said Hope Swinimer, director of Hope for Wildlife, in an interview with the Canadian Press.
The team named her Rufus, inspired by the naked mole-rat character from the animated series Kim Possible.
The Cause of Hair Loss
Rufus’s hairlessness remains somewhat of a mystery. Experts believe it may be linked to an autoimmune disorder that damaged her hair follicles. Other potential causes, like mange, fungal infections, or parasites, were ruled out, as her skin appeared healthy.
Fur is essential for raccoons to survive cold weather, making Rufus’s survival in the wild even more incredible.
“It’s remarkable that she made it through the winter without fur and without frostbite,” the rescue organization said on Facebook.
Despite her fragile condition, Rufus displayed a feisty personality, which likely helped her survive. She arrived weak but soon began eating and regaining strength.
“We were concerned for a few hours, but she got hungry and came out. She’s now full of energy and showing real personality,” Swinimer told the Canadian Press.
A Safe and Comfortable New Home
Rufus may now stay at the shelter permanently. Her new enclosure is specially designed to keep her warm, featuring crawl spaces, nesting boxes, and hammocks, ensuring she remains comfortable despite her lack of fur.
This rare hairless raccoon highlights the resilience of wildlife and the incredible work done by organizations like Hope for Wildlife, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need.
Rufus’s survival is a testament to her strength and spirit — and now, thanks to rescuers, she has a safe place to thrive.
If you love heartwarming wildlife stories, share Rufus’s journey and celebrate the heroes who gave her a second chance at life!