The Canadian lynx, also known as Lynx canadensis, is a lynx species native to North America, including Canada and parts of the United States.
While the Canadian lynx typically has a light brown-gray fur, occasional specimens with a black fur have been reported.
No one had ever captured a black-colored lynx on camera, but in 2022, a fortunate individual managed to take pictures that were then spread worldwide.
The animal was captured by a researcher from the University of Alberta, Canada. Thomas Jung, an employee of the Government of Yukon, filmed the animal with his mobile phone.
Melanism in Canadian lynx
The discovery was documented in an article, “Paint it black: first record of melanism in Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis),” in the journal Mammalia.
The article continues below the photos:
The video was recorded in a rural residential area near the city of Whitehorse, Yukon. In the video, the lynx is seen at a distance of about 50 meters and does not bother anyone. There were some people and a dog nearby, and the lynx eventually retreated after the barking of the dog. In terms of behavior, the Canadian lynx is a solitary and reclusive animal.
Animal experts confirmed it was a Canadian lynx, but could not identify too many distinguishing features in the grainy video.
Color Variations
“The animal had a black fur with white-gray guard hairs throughout, as well as white-gray hairs in the facial ruff and rostrum and the dorsal regions,” Jung reports.
Most lynx species have a similar coloration, with Canadian lynx often having a silver-gray fur in winter. Their fur frequently turns reddish-brown in summer.
The lynx captured in the video is therefore a particularly rare animal due to the color variations in its fur.
Black Fur: Advantageous or Detrimental?
Jung explains that such variations are often adaptations that can be evolutionarily advantageous (adaptive) or detrimental (maladaptive).
Scientists have yet to determine if melanism in a species is advantageous or detrimental. However, Jung believes that the trait in the lynx leads to a lack of necessary camouflage and is therefore maladaptive. If the animal were to hunt in winter, it would likely stand out in the snow with its dark fur.
The article continues below the video:
Wow! We can’t believe such a unique specimen was captured on camera. Let us know what you think in the comments!
