A black wolf is a melanistic colour variant of the gray wolf (Canis lupus). [ 1 ] [ 2 ] Black specimens were recorded among red wolves ( Canis rufus ), though the colour phase in this species is not extinct yet. [ 3 ]

There are several differences between gray wolves and black wolves that scientists have uncovered. Gray-colored wolves are more aggressive than black-colored wolves. This study examines this occurrence in detail.

May 22, 2023 · Black wolves are more common in some populations than others, and recent research finds a surprising correlation. Sometime in the last 10,000 years or so, as humans migrated across the Bering Strait to North America, they brought dogs with a gene that ultimately gave gray wolves black coats.

Jan 13, 2025 · The American Black Wolf is a fascinating creature shrouded in mystery and allure. Known for its striking appearance and elusive nature, this subspecies of the gray wolf captivates both scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Oct 15, 2019 · Gray wolves aren't always gray—some individuals are black. How did black wolves originate, and what can they tell us about the evolution of wolves and domestic dogs?

Dec 31, 2023 · Found in various parts of the world, black wolves possess certain characteristics that set them apart from their gray counterparts. In this article, we will delve deep into the realm of black wolves and uncover 10 fascinating facts about these enigmatic creatures.

Nov 27, 2024 · Wolves in the Rocky Mountain states are usually gray or black with color determined by a gene called K. The black K gene is dominant; K/K and K/k genotypes are black color and k / k genotypes are gray color.

On the North American continent, specifically, the farther south you go, the more wolves there are with dark, black-hued coats. The phenomenon was unexplained for a long time, but now scientists have determined that the culprit is one of the biggest drivers of natural selection: disease.

Jan 26, 2024 · Wolves with black coats are also considered to be a type of gray wolf. Their coloring comes from a genetic mutation of their K locus gene. This mutation results in a condition called melanism, which makes their coats a dark color.

Oct 20, 2022 · The tryst didn’t just give some of today’s wolves a black coat—it has also helped them survive in parts of North America where a measleslike virus can run rampant, according to a new study. That’s because gray wolves are more likely to mate with black wolves when this virus is present—a rare demonstration in the wild of how pathogens ...