Fx Maverick takes black coyote

My son was able to take this black coyote at 140 yds at night with my .25 cal maverick sniper. (Shooting Zan 41 gr.) These are pretty rare around here.

IMG_2183.jpeg
 
So far as the comments about the coyote being a hybrid; I guess that’s possible, however years ago I was able to take a black/dark phase coyote with pretty much identical color patterns including the white markings on the chest. That same year I was also able to take a white/cream colored coyote. The way I understand it these color phases do occur in wild populations. Any wildlife biologists in the group?
The body shape size seems typical to me for our area. It is normal for our coyotes to have slightly shorter noses when they’re young.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Struckat
At the ranch we manage I had heard about a “black” coyote from locals for years. I never saw it and wrote it off to being akin to Bigfoot etc.
about 3 years ago I was up by the pond we have and looked out the tractor I was operating and about 70 yards away was a coyote with a very dark color phase. I never got close enough to get a good look, but it had an almost black look to it. Not near as dark as the OP’s.
Great shooting By your son.
 
  • Like
Reactions: coastal drifter
So far as the comments about the coyote being a hybrid; I guess that’s possible, however years ago I was able to take a black/dark phase coyote with pretty much identical color patterns including the white markings on the chest. That same year I was also able to take a white/cream colored coyote. The way I understand it these color phases do occur in wild populations. Any wildlife biologists in the group?
The body shape size seems typical to me for our area. It is normal for our coyotes to have slightly shorter noses when they’re young.

It's not a hybrid. You guys down there have a good chance at color phased coyotes. Better than anywhere else in the country.
Was he using artificial lights? Looks like a standard scope.
What's your boy going to do with it? Get it mounted/tanned? Sell to the taxidermy market? There is a market for off colored coyotes and that's a particularly good looking one.