A rare, white deer has been spotted in Scott County. A KWQC-TV6 viewer, who wishes to remain anonymous, sent in photographs of the animal on Monday, Oct. 22nd.
"I had seen this deer at a distance and no one believed me. Now, I have proof," the viewer said.
We sent the pictures to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and biologist, Tom Litchfield confirmed it is a white deer, but he's not sure if it is an albino. While it appears to have a pink nose, Litchfield says it would also need to have pink eyes to qualify for that distinction. He estimates it is a year-and-a-half old buck. He also pointed out a drooping antler, most likely caused from an earlier injury.
While Litchfield says he's never before received a report of a white deer from Scott County, he does receive reports from other parts of the state every year.
"A black deer is more rare than a white deer", Litchfield said.
He typically gets reports of white deer from Lucas, Buchanan, Washington and Jasper counties. Right now, there are two white deer making frequent appearances along Interstate 80 in Jasper County. He says in Washington County, the genetics are there and a white deer will pop-up often. He also received a report of another white deer observed in Dubuque County on Oct. 17, the same day the white deer with the drooping antler was photographed in Scott County.
White deer are protected in Iowa for social, not biological reasons. Litchfield cited an Iowa history book which says back in the 1980s, there was an uproar after a hunter shot a white deer and legislation was passed to protect deer that are "predominantly white".
