Wildlife photographer Peter Beard has been reported missing, according to police in New York.

The 82-year-old is best known for his photographs of African wildlife, along with the journals he wrote to accompany them.

His personal life was just as notorious, and Mr Beard collaborated with and became friends with Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali, among other renowned artists.

He disappeared from his home in Montauk, New York on Tuesday afternoon and is yet to be found by authorities.

In a missing persons press release, the East Hampton Town Police Department confirmed that Mr Beard is suffering from dementia.

In the release, the authorities said that the photographer is a “missing vulnerable adult with dementia and may be in need of medical attention”.​

They added that “Peter was last seen wearing a blue fleece pull over, black jogging pants and blue sneakers.”

The police scaled back their search on Wednesday, in order to give officers the chance to regroup and be ready to try again on Thursday.

Despite the scale back, as of Wednesday night, East Hampton Town police chief Michael Sarlo said that officers are continuing the search by “patrolling trails, roads, and access points,” according to the East Hampton Star.​