Rare White Reindeer Calf Discovered by Hiker in Norway

The all-white reindeer was seen and photographed by a hiker in Norway.

A hiker in Norway stumbled upon a breathtaking sight — a rare white reindeer standing alone in pure white snow.

Photographer Mads Nordsveen was trekking through nature with a group of friends when they came upon the baby reindeer. "He was quite relaxed when he saw that I was calm and friendly. It was almost as if he posed for the for the camera," he told Caters News Agency.

Later, the calf's mother stepped into view. "It was a very magical and fairy-tale moment," Nordsveen said.

While white reindeer are rare, they are not considered albino because there is dark pigmentation in their horns and eyes. Their white fur provides them with camouflage from predators in their snow-covered environs. 

Nonetheless, beholding the pale creatures is not something Nordsveen and his friends will soon forget. And Nordsveen had the presence of mind to save the encounter by taking photographs. 

"He was very curious and fun. Like a little explorer ... maybe one day, we'll meet again," he said. 

RELATED STORIES