People Who Were Caught Twisting the Truth on the Internet

Melanism is when an animal appears darker in color than natural. A pure melanistic coat, such as the lion shown below, is incredibly rare. Some animals have darker spots or blotches of fur. Very rarely does it cover the entire coat.

This is what led to people immediately doubting the authenticity of the melanated lion, and as it turns out, the lion’s black coat was a result of photoshopping skills rather than Mother Nature playing her part. We don’t know what is going on with the lines in the background, but as one user pointed out, the editing of this photo wasn’t even all that good.