Recently, wildlife photographer Dennis Jackson was out fishing with a friend in Ontario, Canada. While they were on the water, Jackson spotted something unexpected—a white creature moving through the waves.
“What is that?” he thought, eyeing the unusual sight. As they drew closer, he realized it was a beaver, but not just any beaver. This one had striking white fur.
Jackson shared, “We were totally stunned. You just don’t expect to see something like that.” Although he usually carries his camera, that day he had only his phone but managed to snap a few photos. “It swam around us. We were all smiles,” he added.
After a while, the beaver swam away. Determined to capture more images, Jackson returned to the spot with his camera. To his delight, the white beaver was still there, and he quickly got some stunning shots. Interestingly, the beaver seemed to fit right in with its peers, unaffected by its unique color.
Experts weighed in on this phenomenon. Jackson consulted Canadian naturalist Michael Runtz, who examined the photos and concluded that the beaver is likely leucistic, meaning it has partial loss of pigmentation, not complete albinism. Runtz, who has spent years studying wildlife, mentioned that he’d never seen a white animal of that size before.
Hearing this from a seasoned expert made Jackson feel fortunate. Living in Ontario, he’s used to seeing beavers, but this particular one reignited his curiosity and appreciation for nature. “It inspired me to look closer,” he said.
Interesting fact: Leucism is rare in beavers. It can happen due to genetic mutations and can lead to a lower chance of survival in the wild since their unusual color can make them more visible to predators.
Keeping the beaver’s location private was important to Jackson. He wanted to ensure its safety while also promoting awareness of such unique occurrences in wildlife.
In a world where unique natural phenomena inspire joy and wonder, Jackson’s encounter not only highlights the beauty of nature but also reminds us to appreciate the extraordinary moments that can happen anywhere—often when we least expect them.
For more details about wildlife encounters, check out resources like the Canadian Wildlife Federation.
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