ASHEBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — Oh deer! It's a miracle.
A rare, snow-white deer was recently spotted at the North Carolina Zoo, the zoo announced in an Instagram post.
The snow-white fawn, who is not on exhibit, was traveling with a wild herd on the property.
(North Carolina Zoo)(North Carolina Zoo)(North Carolina Zoo)
His white coat is the result of leucism, a condition that causes a partial or complete loss of pigmentation in an animal's skin, feathers, hair, scales or cuticles, but not its eyes.
"As fate would have it, author Nicholas Sparks recently released Counting Miracles, featuring a white deer right here on Purgatory Mountain, where the Zoo is located!" the zoo said in the post.
The zoo also mentions the significance of the white deer in the traditions and folklore of Native American tribes throughout the state of North Carolina, who consider it sacred and a symbol of spirit.