Specter deer inhabit Wisconsin woods

BOULDER JUNCTION, Wis., Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Pale white deer are becoming a local source of pride and curiosity in rural northern Wisconsin.

Biologists note an active population of the rare deer has existed in the area since at least the 1950s, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Brian Kirkpatrick, professor of genetics at the University of Wisconsin, said the deer are not albinos, as they have pale blue eyes, in contrast to the pink eyes of true albinos.

Wildlife photographers flocked to the area recently to take advantage of the increased sightings.

Jeff Richter, a wildlife photographer and co-author of the book "White Deer: Ghosts of the Forest," told the Sentinel "these white deer really get a hook into people."

Jeffery Phelps, a photographer for the Sentinel, took his son to experience the rare deer, telling him he may never have another experience like this in his life.

"It's like a white flash," Phelps said of spotting the deer.