A Norwegian photographer captured stunning photos of a rare baby white reindeer during a hike in northern Norway.

>> Read more trending news

The photos by Oslo-based photographer Mads Nordsveen were taken after a chance encounter with the calf on the last day of his trip, Nordsveen told ABC news.

"The local Sami people we talked to told us that these white animals are so unique that in Sami tradition they bring happiness. The calf seemed a bit scared at first, but we sat completely quiet and were very calm and eventually it came quite close," the 24-year-old said in an interview with ABC.

White reindeer get their striking color from a genetic mutation that causes their fur to lose its pigment.

About the Author

Featured

Travelers walk around the baggage claim in the South Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Atlanta is among the airports where the FAA will reduce flights due to the shutdown, and airports are facing a shortage of air traffic controllers. 
(Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez