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An All-White Fawn Was Spotted in Iowa. Here's How Rare It Is.
Wildlife officials say the newborn fawn is likely leucistic or albino, and white deer make up fewer than 1% of Iowa's population.
- On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources confirmed a rare white fawn sighting on the Indian Hills Community College campus in Ottumwa, likely caused by leucism or albinism.
- White deer account for less than 1% of Iowa's deer population, occurring roughly once in every 30,000 deer statewide due to rare genetic pigment conditions.
- Wildlife officials stress the fawn is not abandoned; it is common for mother deer to leave young hidden while feeding nearby, and the agency urges the public not to approach the animal.
- Under Iowa law, deer with more than 50% white coverage are protected from harvest, allowing these rare animals to remain part of the state's wildlife population.
- The Iowa DNR continues monitoring the situation, warning that excessive human activity could prevent the doe from returning if she feels the area is unsafe.
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11 Articles
A rare white fawn spotted on an Iowa college campus is drawing attention — and a warning from wildlife officials
A rare white fawn spotted on the Indian Hills Community College campus is turning heads across Iowa. Wildlife officials say the newborn deer should be admired — but only from a distance.
·Des Moines, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution88% Center
Bias Distribution
- 88% of the sources are Center
88% Center
C 88%
12%
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