Rare Albino Caribou Calf Photographed in Alaska
An Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist captured images of a unique white calf, a sighting not documented with photographs in nearly 50 years.
A rare albino caribou calf, distinguished by its white fur, red eyes, and pink hooves, has been photographed north of Fairbanks, Alaska. This marks a significant sighting, as it may be the first time such an animal has been captured on camera.
Jordan Pruszenski, a biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, was conducting routine aerial surveys of caribou calves in late June when she spotted a white anomaly from her plane. The calf's distinct coloration made it stand out against the landscape.
"I’m just like, 'What is happening,'" Pruszenski was quoted as saying. "You could totally see it like on the horizon, and then it steps onto like the snow patch and totally disappears."
After the pilot circled back for a closer look, Pruszenski was able to take several photographs of the calf. The last documented record of an albino caribou calf in Alaska dates back to 1976, when one was observed through a spotting scope for a brief period, but no photographs were taken.
Biologists have not collared the calf or its mother, and its white fur makes it particularly vulnerable to predators. Pruszenski noted that the calf would be easily visible once it moved off snow-covered areas, and expressed uncertainty about its chances of survival.
The herd's specific location is being kept confidential to prevent the public from seeking out the animal, which could disturb it. "We want to be able to give it its best shot, which will be to kind of just let it be a normal caribou," Pruszenski stated.