'Unique and rare': People encouraged to leave albino coyote spotted outside Kamloops alone

A wildlife photographer in BC was able to capture a suspected albino coyote near Kamloops recently.

Glenn Rogers happened upon the animal a few days ago, and was lucky enough to take a photo and shared it on social media.

There was speculation that the animal Rogers saw could actually be a coydog—a coyote crossed with a dog—but he said that the coyote squinted and had pale eyes, with a hint of pink, leading him to believe it was an albino.

The open season for coyote hunting in the Thompson Region is September 1 to June 30.

Rogers did not share the exact location where he encountered the coyote, but hopes that if others spot it they’ll leave it alone.

“It does not have much camo when there is no snow,” Rogers said. “I am hoping people will respect its uniqueness and let it be, come hunting season.”

While there are no prohibitions on hunting coyote that are related to the colour of its fur, officials share Roger’s hope that people will leave the animal be.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship told NowMedia that it is not prohibited to hunt albino wildlife, except for white phase black bears.

However, they added that “the public is encouraged to not harvest these unique and rare individuals.”

As for whether this could have been a coydog, the ministry says it is well documented and possible, but genetic testing would be needed to make the determination.