After a long life, the albino Wisconsin buck lovingly named "King" by locals has been found dead. It wasn't a hunter who forced the old grunt to meet his maker; the buck died from old age, apparently.
The albino King was discovered on the side of a hill within view of the home of Washburn County Highway Commissioner Brian Danielsen. If the old white buck had mustered the strength to make it over the hill, his death may have passed unnoticed. It was around 11 a.m. when the Danielson family noticed him lying in the field.
Commissioner Danielson called the buck's death in to the Department of Natural Resources.
"It's the end of an era," Danielson said. "The King is dead. We found him this morning."
The Danielson farm was a regular stomping ground for King, who spent the last decade and a half meandering throughout the region. He was unmistakable and caused many slowdowns on the roads as people stopped to take photos and videos. King was formidable and muscular, estimated to weigh around 240 pounds at his peak. He had red eyes, a pink nose, and white hooves. His rack perched high atop his head like a crown fit for royalty: thick, dark, and adorned with at least 12 points, with a few smaller stickers at his peak.
The Advocate
Statistically, albino animals have shorter life spans. Their unique coloring makes them easier for predators to locate. King was protected, from humans at least, by Wisconsin law, which prohibits the shooting of albino deer.
"We saw him this past deer season," Danielson said. "He'd always come in. He wasn't really afraid of people; he'd just give them a look as they took his picture."
The albino buck was a local celebrity of sorts, attracting attention whenever he wandered into public. After the news of his passing hit social media, area residents shared hundreds of photos and videos they'd captured throughout the years. Local authorities announced there will be a full body mount made, so that the memory of King may live on.
When Danielson discovered the buck motionless in the field, he reported there was no disturbance around him or signs of struggle. It looked like the old buck had simply laid down, went to sleep, and never woke up.
"At least he didn't get hit by a car," he said. "To look at him, you'd think he was just laying down."
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