An incredibly rare albino caribou calf was recently photographed in Alaska, a moment that marked possibly the first such capture on record. Biologist Jordan Pruszenski from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game spotted the unusual calf during a routine caribou calf count. The event took place north of Fairbanks, while she was in a small plane.
The mission that day was to tally caribou calves that had survived their first month. However, this ordinary activity turned extraordinary when Pruszenski noticed something unusual on the ground. A pristine white speck stood out on the horizon. It was an albino caribou calf.
Pruszenski described her surprise, saying, “You could totally see it like on the horizon, and then it steps onto like the snow patch and totally disappears.” The airplane made another pass for a closer look. This allowed Pruszenski to capture several photos of the calf, characterized by its white fur, striking red eyes, and pink hooves.
This sighting offers rare photographic evidence, a chance last captured in 1976 when an albino calf was seen through a spotting scope.
An image of a Svalbard reindeer closely related to caribou adds context, illustrating the common family between these creatures. As for this calf, there is uncertainty about its survival beyond the one-month mark. Without a collar on either the calf or its mother, tracking them becomes challenging. Its distinctive fur makes it more visible to predators.
“Once it steps off of the snow, it just really stands out,” Pruszenski commented, indicating the calf’s vulnerability to natural threats.
The precise location and identity of the albino caribou’s herd are intentionally undisclosed. This measure helps protect the calf from being disturbed by curious onlookers. Pruszenski insists upon leaving the animal undisturbed to ensure its best chances at survival.
“We want to be able to give it its best shot, which will be to kind of just let it be a normal caribou,” she emphasized.
Enjoy the rare images of this unique animal and appreciate the chance to witness nature’s marvel without interfering in the natural course of its life.