Rare Black Wolves Spotted in Poland Captured on Wildlife Camera

The unusual sighting of two black wolves, likely siblings, highlights a genetic rarity in Europe and sparks new conservation efforts.

Two rare black wolves were recorded crossing a stream in a Polish forest by the SAVE Wildlife Conservation Fund Poland last year.
The wolves, estimated to be one year old and around 66 pounds, are believed to be siblings traveling together as part of a family group.
Black fur in wolves is a rare genetic mutation in Europe, likely originating from domesticated dogs thousands of years ago, but is more common in North America.
Wolves in Poland, which were nearly extinct by the 1950s, have rebounded to a population of 2,500-3,000 due to conservation efforts since 1998.
Researchers plan to analyze genetic material from wolf droppings to learn more about the black wolves' lineage and traits.