Biologists Photographed Rare Albino Caribou Calf

An Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist documented the rare calf north of Fairbanks in late June 2026.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Wildlife

Bold vector editorial illustration of a solitary white caribou calf standing in a vast, rugged Arctic tundra landscape. — An Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist documented a rare albino caribou calf north of Fairbanks, Alaska, in late June 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In late June 2026, an Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist captured photographs of an albino caribou calf while conducting a survey north of Fairbanks. This sighting marks the first time the department has successfully documented the rare animal, which features white fur, red eyes, and pink hooves.

Why it matters

The sighting is highly significant as it is the first documented record of an albino caribou calf in Alaska since 1976. Unlike that previous observation, the current discovery includes photographic evidence to assist ongoing biological research.

The albino calf, which was a few weeks old at the time of the sighting, possesses distinct white fur, red eyes, and pink hooves. While a previous sighting occurred in 1976, no photographic documentation of that animal exists.

The players

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

This state agency is responsible for managing, protecting, and conserving Alaska's fish and wildlife resources.

The details

The discovery occurred during a routine survey when a pilot spotted the calf from a small plane, prompting the biologist to circle the animal for photography. To ensure the safety of the calf and its mother, the department opted against collaring the animals or disclosing the herd's precise location.

The last recorded sighting of an albino calf occurred in 1976.
The biologist photographed the albino calf in late June 2026.

Culture Shift

This discovery updates the historical record set by the 1976 albino calf sighting. By providing modern photographic evidence, the event bridges a decades-long gap in documentation regarding the occurrence of albinism in Alaska's caribou populations.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has withheld the herd's specific location to prevent public interference with the animals. Residents and visitors are encouraged to respect wildlife protections by keeping their distance if they encounter rare species in the wild.

The takeaway

Wildlife biologists intend to publish these findings in a scientific journal to contribute to the understanding of genetic variations in caribou. This discovery serves as a reminder of the rare and unique biological events that continue to occur in remote regions of the state.