Two rare black wolves were caught on camera crossing a stream in a Polish forest, according to SAVE Wildlife Conservation Fund Poland. The sighting, recorded last year by project coordinator Joanna Toczydłowska (pronounced Toh-chih-DWOFF-ska), is unusual since most of Poland’s 2,500 to 3,000 wolves have gray fur with black or red markings. In the video, one black wolf and one gray wolf are seen wading through the water. A separate clip later captured two black wolves and a gray wolf in the same area. Experts believe the black fur color comes from a genetic mutation passed down from domesticated dogs thousands of years ago. Because black wolves are so rare, conservationists have not revealed the exact location to protect them from poachers and misinformation.

Following this discovery, researchers began collecting wolf scat in the area to study their DNA. They hope this will reveal more about the black fur mutation and its presence in Europe, where it remains uncommon due to limited genetic diversity. Poland’s wolf population nearly disappeared by the 1950s but has grown again since the early 2000s, especially in central regions. Scientists stress the importance of educating the public on coexisting with wolves, as they often pass through human areas. The conservation fund is also seeking funding for further genetic research to learn more about these unique wolves.