In the lush, green forests of Poland, a rare sight caught the eye of wildlife researchers. First, a camera was set up to keep an eye on beavers. But instead of flipping, beavers it picked up wolves. Two black wolves, with fur as dark as night, that researchers say are likely siblings. So the camera stayed where it was.

The sightings of these black wolves, were captivating. The first clip showed a  wolf crossing the water with a sibling, as if it was nothing. And there was another clip from last fall, with two black wolves and a gray wolf, wading through the stream. Truly a wildlife spectacle!  One can only imagine the sheer excitement of having such a rare discovery just feet from where a camera is set up.

The usual wolves in Poland are grey, with red or black accents. The black fur is a genetic mutation.  It shows up in animals like domesticated dogs. It is rare in Europe because of low genetic diversity, but in Yellowstone National Park in the US, at least half of the wolf population has black fur.

Researchers think the two black wolves are around a year old. Wolves are like family dogs, they travel in packs. Since they are weighing 30 kg each, they could be siblings. Research says at least one is male.

The conservation organization has been keeping a watch on wolves in Poland for 13 years. They do not want to risk scaring off the wolves and want to protect poachers from getting anywhere near the black wolves.  It is a delicate balance to keep the wolves safe from poachers and ensure their safety.  The conservation organization does not reveal the exact location of the forest to protect the wolves, they fight poaching and misinformation.

Wolves had pretty much died out in Poland by the 1950s but they have made a comeback,   especially in the central part of the country.  Conservationists are dedicated to educating the public about living in harmony with the wolves.

A poll shows that around 2, 500 to 3, 000 wolves live in Poland.

Unusual sighting of black wolves in a Polish forest

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