The Canada Lynx, a species native to North America, is known for its distinctive light brownish-gray fur coat. However, there have been reports of black-furred individuals, a phenomenon that has never been captured on camera until recently.
In 2022, a researcher at the University of Alberta, Canada, was fortunate enough to snap some images of a black Canada Lynx, which quickly went viral. The animal was caught on camera by Thomas Jung, an employee of the Government of Yukon, who recorded a video of the lynx on his cell phone.
The discovery was documented in an article titled “Paint it black: first record of melanism in Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis)” in the journal Mammalia. The footage was captured in a rural residential neighborhood near Whitehorse, Yukon, where the lynx was seen relaxing at a distance of approximately 50 meters.
Despite being able to identify the animal as a Canada Lynx, experts were unable to make out many distinguishing traits in the shaky video. However, Jung reported that the lynx had a black coat with whitish-gray guard hairs throughout, as well as whitish-gray hairs in the facial ruff and the rostrum and dorsal regions.
The Canada Lynx is a solitary and reclusive creature, and its behavior is typically characterized by its ability to blend into its surroundings. However, the black coat of this particular lynx makes it a rare species, with a wide range of coat colors.
According to Jung, variations like these are frequently adaptations that may be helpful or harmful to evolution. While scientists have not yet proven whether melanism in animals is advantageous or disadvantageous, Jung considers the lynx’s feature to be maladaptive because it results in a lack of essential camouflage.
The lynx’s darker hair would likely make it stand out in the snow while hunting in the winter, making it a unique and fascinating sighting. The capture of this rare creature on camera has left many in awe, and we would love to hear your thoughts on this incredible sighting.
