A coyote on a trail camera in California is grabbing attention for its unique look. The animal has two distinctly different colored eyes.
The video comes from California State Parks.
Check it out:
The coyote was walking around Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve when it came face to face with the trail camera. The animal then looked directly into the camera before walking off.
One of the coyote’s eyes clearly appears to be blue. It’s something many people have seen before in pet dogs. While we can’t confirm the exact reason the coyote looks like this, many canines have what’s called “heterochromia.”
Blue Eyed Coyotes
Heterochromia is a scientific term for two different colored eyes. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the popular dog food brand, posted about the phenomenon. They say that while it seems unique, the trait can be fairly common in some breeds.
The condition is caused by a lack of pigment in the iris of the eye. While it’s usually hereditary, it can sometimes be caused by an injury or sickness.
When it comes to coyotes, heterochromia and California, there may be an interesting link. Scientists noticed about a decade ago a spike in coyotes with light blue eyes. Even National Geographic reported on it.
At one point, they called a blue-eyed coyote a “one in a million chance.” However, recent documentation showed the trait spreading throughout California.
Unfortunately, researchers say the lighter colored eyes are not an advantage to the animal. It can mess with their camouflage while hiding. And there’s also a risk of higher light sensitivity, making it harder for the animal to see while hunting.
This isn’t the first coyote to go viral in the Golden State this summer. Earlier this month, someone filmed it swimming across the San Francisco Bay. You can learn more about that animal here.