Wade writes that a mutation in the melanocortin receptor gene created an advantageous darkening of the pale, hairless skin.

The ears are large and rounded, with a small, pointed tragus and dark, hairless skin.

The eyes have a yellow-brown tint and are surrounded by a circle of black, hairless skin.

The non-epitheliotropic form can have a wide variety of appearances, from a single lump to large areas of bruised, ulcerated, hairless skin.

The coyote, however, had grayish-blue, mostly hairless skin and large fanged teeth, attributes which caused it to appear different from a normal coyote.