N.C. man sets up backyard camera, ‘accidentally’ films rare black coyote

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — A curious homeowner in Hendersonville, N.C. wanted to know about the happenings in the wooded area behind his property. Having heard urban legends about mysterious creatures walking the woods, the man thought it wouldn’t hurt to place a camera in that direction. It would be hidden, but not overwhelmed by obstructions to block a clear view of the woods. That way, he would be able to see various kinds of wildlife appearing from the trees.

Little did this homeowner know that a rare black coyote would be caught on camera prowling the house in February 2016. The black coyote is a rare breed in the United States.

In the initial 2016 video, the video description states, “The occasional black coyote is seen in the Great Plains states and in the eastern states; they may actually be the result of hybridization with wolves. It would take DNA analysis to be sure.”

The footage clearly shows the black coyote in all its glory, even noticing the camera while prowling the property. Initially, the coyote would sniff the area with its back to the camera, later turning to face the lens.

However, this would not be the only time footage of this majestic creature would make an appearance.

The creature would make two appearances in 2018

On two occasions in November 2018, footage of a black coyote would turn up.

On November 13, 2018, the homeowner would catch footage of another lone black coyote. The footage was taken at night.

Just over two weeks later, on November 25, night footage would capture yet another black coyote. In this particular footage, it would roll around in the leaves for most of the video.

Is it a black coyote or a coydog?

There is much mystery as to whether it is indeed a black coyote or if it is simply a coydog — in other words, a half-breed coyote.

Given that it’s not normally prevalent in most parts of the U.S., it’s difficult to narrow it down with DNA testing.

Should more of these majestic animals emerge, perhaps research will deliver a long-awaited answer to this question.

Until then, all we will have are questions to this ongoing mystery.