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  • Type of fox?

    Question

    Hi, I live in Hemlock Hills and saw this fox in my backyard last night. It's not red or gray. I would love your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

    Naturalist's Response

    Your pictures are of a Red Fox, a highly variable species with three major color morphs. The first is what we typically think of when we think of a Red Fox. Another is “Cross Fox,” which is black where there usually is white, and last is the “Silver Fox,” which is all black with silver guard hairs on the back and face. All three of these color morphs can occur in the same litter of kits!  In Ohio, the Cross and Silver phases are pretty rare. Your Red Fox looks like it overall has the typical color and pattern for a Red Fox, but possibly a bit darker than average. A special sighting regardless!

    -Naturalist Andy Avram