The Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) is a reclusive species found across North America. Typically light brownish-grey, rare black-furred individuals have been spotted, with the first photograph of one taken by a student at Alberta’s University in 2022. Yukon government worker Thomas Jung also filmed the rare lynx, which was documented in the journal Mammalia.
Captured about 50 meters away in Whitehorse, Yukon, the lynx appeared unbothered by nearby people and a dog, retreating when the dog barked. Though blurry, experts confirmed it was a Canada lynx with a black coat and gray guard hairs.
Canada lynx coats are usually silvery gray in winter and rusty brown in summer, making the black variant very unusual. Jung suggests the dark coat might be maladaptive, as it hinders the lynx’s camouflage, potentially making hunting more difficult in snowy conditions.
What do you think of this rare sighting?
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