Can a wolf be pure black?

While it's very rare, yes, a wolf can be pure black. This color variation is known as melanism, a condition where an animal produces an excess of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark coloration.

Here's why it's rare:

* Genetics: The gene for black fur in wolves is recessive. This means that both parents need to carry the gene for their offspring to have a chance of being black.

* Environment: Black fur can be a disadvantage in certain environments. In snowy areas, black fur can make a wolf more visible to prey and predators.

Despite its rarity, black wolves have been documented in various parts of the world, including:

* North America: The "Black Wolf" of the Great Lakes region is a famous example, although it's now believed to be a color variation of the Eastern Gray Wolf rather than a distinct subspecies.

* Europe: Black wolves have been reported in Scandinavian countries and Eastern Europe.

* Asia: Black wolves are found in some areas of Russia and Mongolia.

It's important to note that the term "black wolf" is often used to refer to wolves with a significant amount of black fur, not necessarily pure black. Many wolves have a mixture of black, gray, and white fur.