Two Rare Black Wolves Spotted in Poland's Forest

Two rare black wolves, likely siblings, were captured on camera crossing a stream in a Polish forest, according to the SAVE Wildlife Conservation Fund. The footage was initially intended for beaver research but led the organization to collect droppings to analyze the wolves' unique black fur mutation. This genetic trait, resulting from a mutation likely inherited from domesticated dogs, is rare in Europe due to lower genetic diversity. Most of Poland's wolf population consists of gray wolves, but the number of black wolves is increasing as conservation efforts have helped restore wolf populations that were nearly extinct by the 1950s. The organization has chosen not to disclose the exact location of the sighting to protect the wolves from poachers. Project coordinator Joanna Toczydłowska emphasized the importance of public education regarding safe coexistence with wolves.