Hikers in Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime sight last week. It was a pure white moose slowly moving through the birch trees. The creature’s snow-colored coat made it nearly invisible against the late-spring fog, leading some to nickname it the “Ghost of the Green Mountains.”
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Ben Hartley, an amateur wildlife photographer who captured several clear images. “At first, I thought it was a trick of the light. Then it turned and looked right at me.”
The moose, which appeared to be a young bull, has since drawn quiet attention from both locals and wildlife experts, who are urging people not to disturb it.
Why Is This Moose White?
This isn’t an albino moose, which would have red eyes and more severe health risks. Experts say the animal most likely has leucism, a rare genetic condition that causes a partial loss of pigmentation, giving it a white or cream-colored coat while keeping normal eye and hoof color.
Leucistic moose are incredibly rare in the U.S., though they’ve been seen in parts of Canada and Scandinavia. In Vermont, this may be the first confirmed sighting in decades.
“These animals are biologically normal in every way, just unusually colored,” said a wildlife biologist with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. “But their rarity makes them a target — not just for cameras, but sometimes for poachers.”
Rare Sightings, Real Risks
While social media is lighting up with photos and location tips, state officials are warning the public to keep their distance. Moose are unpredictable and can become aggressive if approached, especially during calving season or if startled.
- Stay at least 30 meters (100 feet) away
- Never try to follow or bait with food
- Avoid using flash photography, which can stress wildlife
- Report sightings to the local wildlife office so they can monitor the animal’s health and movement
A similar white moose seen in Maine several years ago was tragically shot by a hunter, sparking outrage and tighter rules around rare animal protections.
Vermont’s Newest Celebrity
For now, the white moose remains in the dense forests near Mt. Tabor, moving mostly at dawn and dusk. Biologists hope it stays safe — and say sightings like this are a reminder of the hidden wonders still thriving in America’s wild spaces.
“We don’t need myths or legends,” said Hartley. “We’ve got this guy.”
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