The very rare white moose affected by piebaldism has been spotted and photographed in Sweden

A very rare white moose suffering from the pigmentation disorder called piebaldism has been spotted and photographed in Sweden

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

Photographer Roger Brendhagen was walking in the countryside near Värmland, Sweden, when he came across a rare specimen of white elk, characterized by a genetic condition that does not give the fur any pigment.

It is not about albinism but about piebaldism, congenital disorder of skin pigmentation due to a recessive gene that makes the fur of these animals white with brown spots and, more rarely, completely white. A condition that had already been observed in specimens from Alaska and Canada, according to National Geographic, and whose prevalence is increasing, as these animals are more protected than others.

Unlike albinism, piebaldism does not affect the eyes or even other parts of the body, such as beaks and claws (in birds), which maintain normal pigmentation.

The photographer reported having encountered thousands of moose in his life but never one like it. Fortunately he managed to immortalize it with his camera, publishing the shots on his facebook page and wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

I wish you all a White Christmoose! :-)Nikon D4s & 400/2,8, 1/125, f/2,8, 800 ISO

Posted by Nature photographer Roger Brendhagen on Friday, December 4, 2020

SOURCE: National Geographic

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