A rare white fawn spotted Tuesday on the Indian Hills Community College campus is drawing attention from the community, prompting Iowa wildlife officials to remind residents to keep their distance and avoid disturbing the animal.The Iowa Department of Natural Resources confirmed the newborn fawn’s appearance and said the animal is likely either leucistic or albino, two rare genetic pigment conditions that result in white coloration.Related video above: Warren County man spots all-white deer on his property — twiceAccording to the DNR, white deer account for far less than 1% of Iowa’s deer population and are estimated to occur in roughly one out of every 30,000 deer statewide.Wildlife officials stressed that the fawn has not been abandoned, despite often appearing alone. The DNR said it is common for mother deer, known as does, to leave their fawns hidden for long periods during the day while feeding nearby.“The fawn is not abandoned and must be given space to ensure its well-being,” the DNR said in a statement.Officials are monitoring the situation and urged the public not to approach the animal or attempt to interact with it. Excessive human activity near the fawn could prevent the doe from returning if she feels the area is unsafe, according to the agency.Under Iowa law, deer with more than 50% white coverage are protected from harvest, allowing the rare animals to remain part of Iowa’s wildlife population.The DNR encouraged residents to appreciate the unusual sighting from a safe distance and avoid disrupting the fawn or its mother.

OTTUMWA, Iowa —

A rare white fawn spotted Tuesday on the Indian Hills Community College campus is drawing attention from the community, prompting Iowa wildlife officials to remind residents to keep their distance and avoid disturbing the animal.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources confirmed the newborn fawn’s appearance and said the animal is likely either leucistic or albino, two rare genetic pigment conditions that result in white coloration.

Related video above: Warren County man spots all-white deer on his property — twice

According to the DNR, white deer account for far less than 1% of Iowa’s deer population and are estimated to occur in roughly one out of every 30,000 deer statewide.

Wildlife officials stressed that the fawn has not been abandoned, despite often appearing alone. The DNR said it is common for mother deer, known as does, to leave their fawns hidden for long periods during the day while feeding nearby.

“The fawn is not abandoned and must be given space to ensure its well-being,” the DNR said in a statement.

Officials are monitoring the situation and urged the public not to approach the animal or attempt to interact with it. Excessive human activity near the fawn could prevent the doe from returning if she feels the area is unsafe, according to the agency.

Under Iowa law, deer with more than 50% white coverage are protected from harvest, allowing the rare animals to remain part of Iowa’s wildlife population.

The DNR encouraged residents to appreciate the unusual sighting from a safe distance and avoid disrupting the fawn or its mother.