Extremely rare piebald deer found roaming Long Island

A highly unusual pair of deer believed to be a breeding duo has been observed on Long Island, drawing attention due to their rare appearance.

The animals, a male and a female, are piebald deer — a condition caused by a genetic trait that results in patches of white fur mixed with the typical brown coat. Sightings took place in the Pine Barrens region of Suffolk County. Wildlife experts say this condition is extremely uncommon, appearing in only about one percent of white-tailed deer.

A tan deer and a white deer grazing in a grassy area. — The striking pair of piebald deer, consisting of a buck and a doe, was found within the Long Island Pine Barrens in Suffolk County. Pix11

One of the deer, mostly white with small darker markings, has been photographed multiple times in a wooded backyard in eastern Long Island since late last year. A local resident, Logan K, described the moment he first saw the animal as surprising, saying he immediately realized how rare it was.

According to specialists, piebald deer are born only when both parents carry the same recessive gene. The pair that has been spotted appears healthy, and reports suggest they may breed during the upcoming spring season.

White deer with small antlers and brown eyes standing in grass. — At least one of the stark white deer with small dark spots has been captured in a series of photographs in a wooded eastern Long Island backyard since December. Pix11

Because of their rarity, hunting piebald deer is illegal in some states. Wildlife officials in the Long Island area are urging people to keep their distance and not attempt to hunt or disturb the animals.