A beautiful white moose has been spotted roaming the forests of Sweden along the Norway border.
Wildlife photographer and Nikon AmbassadorRoger Brendhagenhappened to catch this rare creature on camera in its beautiful natural surroundings.
His incredible images of the white moose in the region of Varmland offer insight into a majestic forest world.
These rare moose have been spotted in Canadian and Swedish forests in recent years.
Perhaps hunters choose not to target these special animalsin Canada, one legally cannot hunt them.
When Brendhagen came upon the moose, he was well prepared by years of photographing elusive wildlife.
Working with theWWF, the photographer hopes to use his work to bring awareness to conservation effortsparticularly in Scandinavia.
Arctic foxes are also a species which fascinates Brendhagen with respect to photography and conservation.
Read on for our exclusive interview, which has been edited and condensed for ease of reading.
What can you tell us about this remarkable white moose you were able to photograph?
Thank God I did not lose the camera…
I photographed this moose in Varmland in Swedenin the border area with Norway.
According to researchers, there are about 30 moose with this mutation in Varmland.
The legendary white moose first appeared in western Varmland sometime in the 1930s.
The phenomenon is calledleucism.
They have brown eyesand the horns are also brown like a normal moose.
Leucism is a congenital physical condition in animals reminiscent of albinism and melanism.
This means that the animal can become lighter, partly white, or completely white in color.
Brenhagen’s once-in-a-lifetime shot of an Arctic fox with a full moon.
However, eyes, beak, and claws often have normal pigmentation in contrast to albinism.
Its a dilemma to photograph wild animalsfor example the Arctic fox.
It is important to inform each other about where the boundary is between observing and invading.
Can you tell us about your photos of Arctic foxes?
Therefore, it is a blessed experience to see them in the mountains.
- The photo bag is heavy enough as it is.
The low perspective mentioned.
But the main reason is that the Arctic fox will not see me.
That’s why my camouflage is my best friendin addition to a 600mm and 800mm!
I use a camouflage calledJervenduken.
It is a Norwegian brand and its water proof, wind stopping, and with a good isolation.
A date I will always rememberSeptember 19, 2019.
Inside my head there are many pictures.
Some of them I have taken, yet others have not yet come out.
After 10 years of waiting, I got my reward.
Sometimes the weather forecast reported nice conditions and a clear sky.
After 400 kilometers in the car, I often reached the mountains in low clouds and a foggy weather.
What camera and equipment do you prefer to shoot with?
You also work with the WWF.
What do you hope people take from your wildlife photography, in terms of conservation?
They use old fishing nets, ropes, and other things that they can find floating in the ocean.
Sadly, it gets worse every year.
And my pictures from the Isle of Runde do that!
The cliff where the birds nests are is 300 meters above sea level.
The weather conditions are harsh with strong winds and heavy ocean currents.
I dont want to disturb them in these vulnerable times of the year.
The answer is cruel.
The plan is to go back again in the middle of June to document that tragic event.
My hope is that my pictures will help people to create a new attitude regarding this huge problem.
