Animals with distinctive markings are – naturally – a scarce sight. As a result, a close encounter with such a creature is even more incredible.
So you can imagine how excited this wildlife photographer was when he spotted a wolf with a heart-shaped face. He captured some moments of the majestic creature, and the results were nothing short of spectacular.
Fueled by rumors of a mythical wolf roaming the Finnish forests, local photographer Niko Pekonengrab used his camera and ventured deep into the country’s wilderness.
Surprisingly, the rumor is proven true once again, as Pekonen encounters the highly elusive predator.
Although like any other gray wolf, the one captured by Niko on camera has a very personal touch that makes it unique: the animal’s face blends beautifully with a brown heart. His distinctive mark is even brightened by the wolf gray fur that comes closely to his cheeks.
These gorgeous signs are extremely rare, sometimes even unique, and they are genetically related. However, wild animals that are born with different-looking coats (mostly albinism and melanism) often have complicated lives. They often face exclusion in groups, or even worst, are very vulnerable in front of the predators.
However, that is not the case with the heart-shaped wolf. The gray wolf is one of the largest predators in Europa and North America, and even Eurasia.
Gray wolves play an essential role in Norse mythology. Legend says that many years ago, an iron wolf visited the Grand Duke Gediminas and instructed him to build the city of Vilnius – the capital of Lithuania.
Images source:Facebook/Niko Pekonen
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