One intriguing aspect of the animal kingdom is that, despite the diversity among species, there are always some shared traits. For instance, crows and dolphins are known to be exceptional tricksters. Their remarkable intelligence allows them to use tools, recognize themselves in mirrors, and even engage in playful deception.
Similarly, foxes and dogs exhibit comparable characteristics. Certain dog breeds closely resemble foxes, and some foxes are known to imitate dog barks. In moments of excitement or play, they can also express joy through laughter, leading to occasional confusion between the two species!
Who Do We Have Here?!
While completing his paperwork, Lane Fahrenbruch, the senior ranger at the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, observed someone playing in the snow outside his window. Initially, he thought it was merely a stray dog having fun, but upon closer inspection, he realized it was something entirely different. “I thought I saw a stray dog at first, but then I noticed it was a fox with a very unique coat,” he recounted to The Dodo. Recognizing that this wasn’t just any ordinary fox, he quickly reached out to a colleague for confirmation.
“I was in awe. I’ve seen many foxes before, but never one like this. I asked another ranger, who believed it was a rare silver fox. We Googled it and confirmed that it was indeed what we were seeing,” Fahrenbruch explained.
Shocking Discovery
Indeed, Fahrenbruch witnessed something truly exceptional. Silver foxes are a type of melanistic red fox celebrated for their striking coats that can be dark black, blue-gray, or even silver. According to research conducted by Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, these foxes represent approximately 10 percent of the red fox population, contributing to their extreme rarity.
Understanding that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Fahrenbruch and his team took a moment to observe the playful fox. Unfortunately, after a brief visit, the fox scampered away into the nearby bushes. Though Fahrenbruch was unable to encounter his rare friend again, he later learned from neighbors that she was spotted thriving in the wilderness.
“Every day here brings something new. You never know what wildlife sightings you may encounter. This was certainly one of the more remarkable experiences I’ve had,” Fahrenbruch shared.
