The coyote, a highly adaptable member of the Canis family, is a ubiquitous presence across North America. These striking canids, scientifically known as Canis latrans, typically display coats of grizzled gray, brown, and tan, making the sight of a completely black individual a notable event. This inquiry touches on the unique biological and genetic history of the species. The presence of these dark-coated animals in Florida requires a look at both their established range and a rare genetic phenomenon.
The Coyote Presence in Florida
Coyotes are now firmly established across Florida, having successfully colonized every one of the state’s 67 counties from the Panhandle down to the southern peninsula. Their arrival in the state was part of a major natural range expansion that began from the western United States and moved eastward throughout the 20th century. Although they were first documented in northwestern Florida in the late 1960s or early 1970s, their population quickly spread. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recognizes the coyote as a naturalized species that has adapted to all habitat types, including rural forests, agricultural lands, suburban neighborhoods, and even dense urban environments.
Understanding Melanism in Coyotes
The unusual black coloration seen in some coyotes is the result of a genetic trait called melanism, which is the opposite of albinism. Melanism is caused by an overproduction of dark pigment, specifically eumelanin, in the hair, skin, and eyes of an animal. This biological phenomenon is observed in many other wild species, including jaguars, squirrels, and wolves. In the Canis family, the trait is rare in western coyote populations but appears consistently in the eastern part of the continent. The presence of this dark coat in some eastern coyotes is a key indicator of their distinct evolutionary path.
Documented Sightings and Geographic Range
Yes, black coyotes have been documented in Florida, confirming their presence within the state’s wildlife population. Sightings are uncommon but not extremely rare, especially in the Southeastern United States, where the trait is more prevalent than in western populations. Melanistic coyotes are often found in areas offering dense canopy cover and shadier, wetland environments, aligning with Gloger’s Rule, which suggests darker pigmentation is favored in warm, humid climates. Specific public reports, such as those from the Tampa area, have confirmed the presence of these dark-coated animals in suburban settings. Definitive confirmation can be challenging, as they are sometimes misidentified as black feral dogs, so wildlife agencies rely on distinct physical characteristics, like their narrow muzzle, pointed ears, and characteristic tail carriage, to differentiate them from domestic canines.
Genetic Origin of the Black Coat
The black pigmentation is caused by a dominant mutation in the CBD103 gene, which is part of the K-locus. This gene controls the production of pigment, and the dominant allele, known as KB, triggers the excessive output of dark eumelanin, resulting in a black coat. This genetic mutation is not believed to have originated within the coyote species itself. Instead, scientific evidence suggests that the black color gene was introduced through historic hybridization events. The prevailing theory is that the trait entered the coyote gene pool through interbreeding with domestic dogs or, less likely, with the red wolf as coyotes colonized the eastern United States.