Rare White Fawn Spotted on Indian Hills Community College Campus

OTTUMWA — A rare white fawn was spotted Tuesday on the campus of Indian Hills Community College, drawing attention from students, staff, and wildlife enthusiasts across southeast Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources confirmed the sighting and is asking the public to admire the animal from a safe distance to avoid disturbing it or its mother.

According to Iowa DNR Wildlife Biologist Jace Elliott, the newborn fawn appears to be either leucistic or albino — two uncommon genetic pigment conditions that result in abnormal white coloration.

“All white deer are extremely rare in Iowa,” the DNR said in a statement. “They represent far fewer than one percent of the state’s deer population and are estimated to occur roughly once in every 30,000 deer.”

Despite concerns from some observers, the DNR emphasized the fawn has not been abandoned. Female deer commonly leave their young hidden and alone for long periods during the day while feeding nearby.

Wildlife officials are continuing to monitor the situation and are urging residents not to approach the animal.

“Too much human disturbance could cause the mother not to feel safe returning to her fawn,” the DNR warned.

Under Iowa law, deer with more than 50 percent white coverage are protected from harvest, helping preserve the rare animals for public enjoyment and wildlife conservation.

The DNR encourages anyone who spots the fawn to simply observe quietly from a distance and allow nature to take its course.