Black Canada Lynx Caught On Camera For The First Time

The Canada Lynx, scientifically known as Lynx canadensis, is a species native to North America, spanning regions such as Canada and portions of the United States.

While the typical fur coat of the Canada Lynx is light brownish-gray, there have been sightings of individuals with black fur.

Prior to 2022, photographs of the black-colored type had never been captured. However, a fortunate individual managed to snap some images that rapidly spread across the internet.

The creature was captured by a researcher affiliated with the University of Alberta, Canada. Thomas Jung, a Government of Yukon employee, recorded a video of the animal using his cell phone.

The groundbreaking discovery was detailed in an article titled "Paint it black: first record of melanism in Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis)," published in the journal Mammalia.

The footage was filmed in a rural residential area near the Yukon hub of Whitehorse. In the video, the lynx can be observed lounging at a distance of approximately 50 meters. Nearby were some individuals and a dog; the lynx eventually retreated when the dog started barking.

The Canada Lynx typically exhibits solitary and elusive behavior. Despite identifying the animal as a Canada lynx, experts in the species struggled to discern many distinguishing characteristics in the shaky video.

”It had a black coat containing whitish gray guard hairs throughout, as well as whitish gray hairs in the facial ruff and the rostrum and dorsal regions,” Jung reports.

Most lynx species share similar coloring, with Canada lynx often observed in winter due to their silvery-gray coats. These coats commonly transition to reddish-brown during the summer months.

The lynx featured in the film belongs to a particularly rare species characterized by its diverse range of coat colors. Jung noted that such variations often represent adaptations that can either benefit (adaptive) or hinder (maladaptive) evolutionary processes.

Scientists have not definitively determined whether melanism in any animal provides advantages or disadvantages. However, Jung regards the lynx's melanistic trait as maladaptive due to its potential for reducing essential camouflage. This means the animal might be more conspicuous against the snow while hunting in winter due to its darker fur.

Incredible! It's astounding to witness such a remarkable creature captured on camera. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!”It had a black coat containing whitish gray guard hairs throughout, as well as whitish gray hairs in the facial ruff and the rostrum and dorsal regions,” Jung reports.

Most lynx species share similar coloring, with Canada lynx often observed in winter due to their silvery-gray coats. These coats commonly transition to reddish-brown during the summer months.

The lynx featured in the film belongs to a particularly rare species characterized by its diverse range of coat colors. Jung noted that such variations often represent adaptations that can either benefit (adaptive) or hinder (maladaptive) evolutionary processes.

Scientists have not definitively determined whether melanism in any animal provides advantages or disadvantages. However, Jung regards the lynx's melanistic trait as maladaptive due to its potential for reducing essential camouflage. This means the animal might be more conspicuous against the snow while hunting in winter due to its darker fur.

Incredible! It's astounding to witness such a remarkable creature captured on camera. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!