(TMX) – A rare piebald elk has recently drawn attention in Estes Park, Colorado, after residents spotted the animal and alerted Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

CPW shared striking photos of the female elk, showcasing her unique white-and-brown patchy coat, a rare genetic condition that makes her stand out from the herd.

“This piebald female (cow) elk in Estes Park has been catching attention for a bit and for good reason,” CPW said. “This rare genetic trait occurs in about 1 out of every 100,000 elk and causes a mostly white coat of hair with some patches of brown.”

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The photos reveal her distinctive pale fur, which contrasts sharply with the typical brown coat of another elk grazing beside her.

CPW urged anyone who sees the rare animal to observe from a distance and avoid disturbing her.

“If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her, remember to give her lots of space,” the agency advised.

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Female elk, also called cows, can grow up to 5 feet tall and 8 feet long, with an average weight between 400 to 600 pounds. Bulls, or male elk, can weigh as much as 900 pounds.

Colorado is home to the largest elk population in the world, with about 280,000 elk roaming the state.

According to CPW, the elk—also known as wapiti—is the largest native deer species in Colorado. Interestingly, while Americans refer to this species as “elk,” in many other parts of the world, the word “elk” refers to what Americans know as a moose.

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