Weaving for 12 miles through the mangrove forests of western Florida, the Weeki Wachee River offers visitors an up-close look at some of the region’s most iconic wildlife — like manatees, dolphins, turtles and otters. But one boater recently came face-to-face with an animal who’s far rarer.
Last week, La Guera, a Facebook user who documents her adventures on the Weeki Wachee, shared images of that memorable encounter.
While passing by the tree-lined shore, La Guera noticed two animals in the distance — one, a stag of typical color, and another deer with a white and brown speckled coat.
It was a piebald deer.
Piebaldism is a genetic mutation that disrupts melanin production, leading to patches of depigmented skin and fur. Its appearance among deer is considered quite rare, occurring in less than one percent of the population.
Sadly, fawns born with piebaldism often don’t survive into adulthood, but the deer La Guera encountered appears to have defied the odds.
La Guara’s hasn’t disclosed the exact location of the piebald deer, but others have reported having seen her in the Weeki Wachee area as well. The rare deer apparently isn’t shy.
In a follow-up post on Facebook, La Guard shared another encounter.
“Look who I saw on the river AGAIN. This beautiful piebald deer,” she wrote.
With any luck, the piebald deer will continue to thrive along the scenic shores of the Weeki Wachee River for many years to come — her presence there a beautiful reminder of the uniqueness of the natural world.