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 a rare variation of this species – a black-furred individual. Until recently, this phenomenon had never been photographed, but a lucky researcher was able to capture some remarkable images in 2022.
The footage was taken by Thomas Jung, an employee of the Government of Yukon, in a rural residential neighborhood near Whitehorse, Yukon. The video shows the black lynx relaxing at a distance of about 50 meters, seemingly unaware of the people and dog nearby. The lynx eventually flees when the dog begins to bark.
Experts were unable to identify many distinguishing traits of the Canada Lynx in the shaky video, but they were able to confirm that it was indeed a Canada Lynx. The black coat with whitish-gray guard hairs throughout, as well as whitish-gray hairs in the facial ruff and other regions, was a notable feature of this rare individual.
The Canada Lynx is typically a solitary and reclusive creature, and its coat coloration is usually adapted to its winter and summer environments. The rare black coat coloration of this individual is likely an example of melanism, a phenomenon that has not been proven to be advantageous or disadvantageous by scientists.
According to Jung, this variation may be maladaptive, as it results in a lack of essential camouflage. The black lynx would likely stand out in the snow while hunting in the winter, making it more challenging to survive.
The sighting of this rare black Canada Lynx is a remarkable and unique event. The footage has provided scientists with valuable insights into the phenomenon of melanism in this species.
