People have been both terrified and amazed after a creature many believed to be extinct was 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 shared her extraordinary experience on Instagram, posting two stunning photos and describing the encounter with what she called “The White Ghost of the Mediterranean Forest.”

“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.

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.”

She 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, almost spectral appearance — but unlike albino animals, it retains its strikingly vivid eyes.

Once Hidalgo’s footage reached social media, reactions poured in. Many were stunned, while others admitted they were completely creeped out.

One commenter called it “a mythical creature,” while another compared it 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 occurred last Wednesday (October 22) in Jaén province. Authorities have kept the exact location undisclosed, as the lynx was observed without a tracking collar — confirming that it is entirely wild.

Source: unilad.com