People terrified as photographer captures world's 'first-ever' white Iberian Lynx thought to be extinct
The beautiful beast was captured sitting in the sun before appearing to look directly at the camera
People have been left both terrified and amazed after a creature many thought had vanished from existence is captured on camera for the first time.
The mysterious feline was spotted deep in the mountains of Jaén, southern Spain, by amateur wildlife photographer Ángel Hidalgo.
The 29-year-old took to Instagram to share her story behind the encounter with what she's described as 'The White Ghost of the Mediterranean Forest'.
Posting two of her incredible snaps, she wrote: "In a new area where I began tracking a few months ago, while reviewing one of my trail cameras, I observed something I couldn't believe… From then on, I dedicated all my available time to it; I had to see this marvel with my own eyes.
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"Time passed - hours, days, weeks, even months - without success, and on many occasions, I was on the verge of giving up… One morning, after a night of rain, I was walking as I had done so many times before when suddenly, in the distance, I saw a white shape that seemed to radiate its own light.
"Upon seeing for the first time a 'White Iberian Lynx,' with its snow-white winter coat and those piercing eyes, I was paralyzed; I couldn't believe what I was seeing."
The 29-year-old continued: "I felt incredibly fortunate to witness this moment, to be able to see this magnificent lynx in its natural habitat.
"Encountering this feline was an unforgettable memory for me, and it made me reflect on the importance of nature and conservation…
"I hope this long story inspires some to appreciate and protect the natural beauty of the world around us."
The lynx, which has a rare genetic condition called leucism, lacks pigment in its fur, giving it a hauntingly pale appearance - but unlike albino animals, it still retains its piercing eyes.
After footage hit social media, people didn’t hold back their reactions - and some were seriously freaked out.
One person likened it to 'a mythical creature', while another compared the beast to the Pokémon 'Mewtwo'.
A third joked: "Lmfao that’s an old, OLD ancient guardian. Look at the eyes. You can tell.. chills."
According to Spanish outlet Ahora Jaén, the sighting took place on last Wednesday (October 22) in Jaén province. Authorities have kept the exact location secret, as the lynx was seen roaming without a tracking collar - which confirms that it is completely wild.
Joe Yates