A rare white deer has been spotted in Kilmacrennan this morning.
The white hind, or white stag for males, are white-haired red deer or fallow deer. A condition known as leucism leads to their hair and skin losing its natural pigmentation, giving them a dazzling white coat.
Their striking appearances has led to the white stag being an important part of European mythology and folklore.
The Celts believed that these beautiful animals were symbolic of change and were travellers from the ‘Otherworld’. They were seen to be the apex of innocence and purity due to their snow-white coat.
White stags and white hinds continue to be part of popular culture, appearing in works of fiction such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter, as well as games such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Today, they are seen as a good luck charm and a sign of impending good fortune.
A white stag was previously spotted in Kilmacrennan in February, with Paul Doherty sharing this gorgeous picture on Instagram – perhaps there are related?
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