Alaska biologists photograph rare albino caribou calf

An Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist photographed a rare albino caribou calf in late June, providing the first visual record of such an animal in the state since 1976. Jordan Pruszenski, the biologist, spotted the white calf while conducting a routine aerial survey north of Fairbanks to count calves that had survived their first month. The sighting occurred when the calf stepped onto a snow patch, making it disappear against the white background, before it was visible again on the horizon. Pruszenski captured several photos of the calf, which had white fur, red eyes, and pink hooves. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has not previously recorded an albino caribou calf with photographic evidence. The last known sighting was in 1976, when an observer used a spotting scope for a few minutes but did not take pictures. Pruszenski stated that it is uncertain whether the calf has survived past the late June check. Biologists did not collar the calf or its mother, and the animal's white fur makes it more visible to predators. Pruszenski noted that the calf stands out when it leaves the snow, making its long-term survival unclear. The department is not disclosing the name of the herd to prevent people from seeking out the animal. Pruszenski asked the public to report sightings but not to disturb the caribou. The goal is to allow the animal to live as a normal caribou without human interference.