The Canada Lynx, native to North America, typically sports a light brownish-gray coat but occasionally appears in black. Until recently, sightings of black-furred individuals remained undocumented.

In 2022, a remarkable event occurred when a black-coated Canada Lynx was photographed for the first time. Thomas Jung, a Government of Yukon employee, captured video footage near Whitehorse. The lynx, distinguishable by its black coat with whitish gray hairs, was seen in a residential area but fled when approached by a dog.

Described in the journal Mammalia as “Paint it black: first record of melanism in Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis),” the discovery intrigued experts despite the shaky video quality. The lynx, known for its solitary and elusive nature, typically blends with its surroundings due to its silvery gray winter coat, which turns reddish brown in summer.

Jung noted that while melanism might not aid in camouflage, it represents an evolutionary quirk possibly linked to adaptive traits in rare cases. Scientifically, the advantages or disadvantages of melanism remain debated.

The sighting has sparked interest and discussion among wildlife enthusiasts worldwide.