http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/black-bobcat-melanistic-christmas-1.3913761
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Black bobcat snared in N.B., only 12th ever recorded in North America
Oswald McFadden trapped a rare black bobcat on Christmas Day near Cocagne, in southeastern New Brunswick
Photo of Shane Fowler
Shane Fowler · Reporter · CBC News
2 Hours Ago
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Oswald McFadden traps rare bobcat on Christmas Day 1:06
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A New Brunswick trapper snared something unexpected on Christmas Day — a rare melanistic bobcat.
Studies show there has only been one other black bobcat caught in Canada.
"I thought it was a house cat," said Oswald McFadden, who has run the same trapline for the last decade.
"When I saw the tail I knew it wasn't a house cat. Then I looked at the ears, I knew it was definitely a bobcat."
Melanism is a genetic trait that displays a black-coloured pigment and can often be found in species like squirrels and jaguars.
Much like jaguars, this bobcat's spots and markings can still be seen in bright lights.
"It's a soft and beautiful coat," said McFadden.
"I've been in these woods all my life and never seen anything like this."
According to the 1995 paper, A Melanistic Bobcat from Outside Florida, written by Jay Tischendorf and Donald McAlpine, the only other case of melanism found in a Canadian bobcat was dated in November 1983.
The black male bobcat was trapped near Henry Lake and is now mounted at the New Brunswick Museum.
The article says there's only been 10 other melanistic bobcats ever recorded — all found in Florida.
Open news menu
"
Black bobcat snared in N.B., only 12th ever recorded in North America
Oswald McFadden trapped a rare black bobcat on Christmas Day near Cocagne, in southeastern New Brunswick
Photo of Shane Fowler
Shane Fowler · Reporter · CBC News
2 Hours Ago
Media placeholderPlay Media
Oswald McFadden traps rare bobcat on Christmas Day 1:06
22k shares
A New Brunswick trapper snared something unexpected on Christmas Day — a rare melanistic bobcat.
Studies show there has only been one other black bobcat caught in Canada.
"I thought it was a house cat," said Oswald McFadden, who has run the same trapline for the last decade.
"When I saw the tail I knew it wasn't a house cat. Then I looked at the ears, I knew it was definitely a bobcat."
Melanism is a genetic trait that displays a black-coloured pigment and can often be found in species like squirrels and jaguars.
Much like jaguars, this bobcat's spots and markings can still be seen in bright lights.
"It's a soft and beautiful coat," said McFadden.
"I've been in these woods all my life and never seen anything like this."
According to the 1995 paper, A Melanistic Bobcat from Outside Florida, written by Jay Tischendorf and Donald McAlpine, the only other case of melanism found in a Canadian bobcat was dated in November 1983.
The black male bobcat was trapped near Henry Lake and is now mounted at the New Brunswick Museum.
The article says there's only been 10 other melanistic bobcats ever recorded — all found in Florida.
