Maharashtra: Rare white wolf spotted in Dhule grasslands, scientists examine possible genetic factors

The white wolf spotted roaming the grasslands of Dhule district, Maharashtra. Pic/Umakant Patil

In a scene straight out of a comic book, a real-life white wolf has been spotted in the grasslands of Dhule, about 324 km from Mumbai. The sighting has sparked scientific interest in Maharashtra's Indian grey wolf population and the possible factors behind its unusual appearance.

Rare sighting

Umakant Patil, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Dhule district and director of the Golden Earth Biopreserve Foundation (GEBF), documented the animal in September 2026. Patil, who has studied and documented wildlife in the region for more than two decades, previously recorded a distinctly tawny-coloured wolf here in 2020-21.

Genetic testing

Hair and scat samples from the animal were collected and sent for genetic examination at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru. According to the genetic assessment received at the time, the animal had genetic characteristics indicating wolf-dog hybridisation.

OfficialSpeak

Umakant Patil, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Dhule District
‘The white wolf is currently being studied to determine whether its unusual colouration is associated with natural genetic variation, such as a pigmentation-related trait, or whether there is evidence of wolf-dog hybridisation. Further scientific investigation and genetic analysis will be required before any conclusion can be reached.'

Future study

Patil noted that repeated documentation of unusually coloured wolves highlights the need for ecological research alongside long-term monitoring of the district's grassland habitats and wolf population.

Grassland habitat

Dhule is recognised for its open natural ecosystems, which provide important habitat for the Indian grey wolf and several other grassland species. GEBF is currently working with the Dhule Forest Department under a MoU focused on grassland conservation and biodiversity management.

Occupancy survey

The GEBF is currently conducting a wolf occupancy survey across the region. The initial phase in northern Dhule taluka successfully tracked nine wolf packs.
Plans are underway to expand this monitoring into Jalgaon, Nandurbar, and Nashik districts.