Vets have shared a photo of a rare golden possum that has gone viral after people took notice of its resemblance to the popular mouse Pokémon Pikachu.
Golden possums are rare and adorable creatures with a genetic mutation that results in low melanin levels and, consecutively, a golden coat.
The photo of one such cute animal was recently shared by the Boronia Veterinary Clinic And Animal Hospital who confirmed that the lucky possum they found will get to live a relaxing life at a wildlife sanctuary.
“We recently had a very special possum brought in to the clinic. She’s a rare golden variety of the Common Brushtail Possum,” the vets wrote in their post.
“The golden color occurs due to a mutation which causes a low level of the pigment melanin which gives them their normal color.
“They are so rare in the wild as although their bright color makes them look special to us, they also stand out to predators! Luckily for this baby brushtail she’s gone to carers to be raised and then will end up in a wildlife sanctuary so she can live a long happy life.”
After sharing the photo, people couldn’t help but acknowledge the animal’s resemblance to the beloved Pokémon called Pikachu.
Like Pikachu, the rare possum has an adorable golden-yellow coat, long pointy ears, and big black eyes gazing right back at you.
While possums are normally brown, a rare mutation can cause them to grow golden coats instead. In some cases, their fur can also turn silver-grey or black.
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Replaced!