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Rare Black Canada Lynx Captured on Camera for the First Time

In an extraordinary moment, a black Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) has been caught on camera for the first time. Typically known for its light brownish-grey fur, the Canada Lynx has occasionally been reported with black fur, but it was not until 2022 that such an occurrence was documented.

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The remarkable footage was taken by Thomas Jung, a researcher from the University of Alberta, Canada. He captured the rare melanistic lynx on his cell phone in Yukon, Canada, near Whitehorse. The lynx appeared in a rural residential area, calmly passing by a few people and a dog. The lynx eventually retreated when the dog started barking.

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This rare sighting was documented in the journal Mammalia in the article “Paint it black: First record of melanism in Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis).” The video, though grainy, clearly shows the lynx’s striking black coat with a mix of whitish-grey guard hairs. While Canada Lynx typically have silvery grey fur in winter and reddish brown fur in summer, this unique black fur is an unexpected variation.

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Melanism, the condition that causes the black fur, is seen in many species, but its evolutionary benefits are still debated. Some experts suggest that this dark coat could be maladaptive, especially in the winter, as it may hinder camouflage against snowy landscapes. However, the full impact of this trait on the lynx’s survival is still under investigation.

This rare discovery highlights the diversity of wildlife in Canada and adds a fascinating chapter to the study of the Canada Lynx. It also underscores the importance of continued wildlife research, as surprising findings like this can offer new insights into the evolutionary mechanisms behind animal adaptations.

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