A Breathtaking Encounter with a Rare Cross fox in the Wild
Mother Nature has a magical way of surprising us with creatures that seem too extraordinary to be real—and this stunning fox is a perfect example. Wildlife photographer Sam Gaby had the rare opportunity to form a connection with an unusual fox he encountered in Newfoundland. After several months of patient interaction, Sam gained the animal’s trust, opening the door to a series of breathtaking photographs that showcase the fox’s striking appearance and curious personality.
This fox wasn’t like the typical red foxes found in the region. Instead, it had a dramatic black stripe running across its orange coat—a telltale sign of a condition known as melanism. Foxes with this rare pigmentation are called cross foxes, and while they are more common than you might think, especially in North America, they still hold a certain air of mystery and allure.Melanism results from increased dark pigmentation in the skin and fur. Approximately 30% of red foxes in Canada exhibit this genetic trait, creating stunning contrasts in their fur. Cross foxes typically feature a longer tail and darker, more complex color patterns compared to their red fox relatives.
Earning this fox’s trust was no easy feat. Sam explained, “I was trying to assure him that I was not a threat.” Determined and respectful of the fox’s space, he made a habit of visiting the animal around sunset—letting curiosity and patience guide their encounters. Slowly but surely, the fox warmed up to him, eventually allowing Sam to observe and document its daily life.What followed were two unforgettable months of visits filled with learning, observation, and quiet companionship. Sam not only captured beautiful imagery but also developed a deeper understanding of the fox’s behaviors—how it hunted, cached food, played, and socialized with others, including its equally unique sibling who occasionally made an appearance in the photos.
Unlike most melanistic animals, which tend to have solid black coats, this cross fox displayed a mesmerizing blend of dark and bright tones. It was a beautiful anomaly—an animal both elegant and wild, with a playful glint in its eye. Through Sam’s lens, we get a glimpse into the world of this rare creature, and it’s easy to see why he described it as not just beautiful, but intelligent and full of personality.
Mother Nature has a magical way of surprising us with creatures that seem too extraordinary to be real—and this stunning fox is a perfect example. Wildlife photographer Sam Gaby had the rare opportunity to form a connection with an unusual fox he encountered in Newfoundland. After several months of patient interaction, Sam gained the animal’s trust, opening the door to a series of breathtaking photographs that showcase the fox’s striking appearance and curious personality.
This fox wasn’t like the typical red foxes found in the region. Instead, it had a dramatic black stripe running across its orange coat—a telltale sign of a condition known as melanism. Foxes with this rare pigmentation are called cross foxes, and while they are more common than you might think, especially in North America, they still hold a certain air of mystery and allure.Melanism results from increased dark pigmentation in the skin and fur. Approximately 30% of red foxes in Canada exhibit this genetic trait, creating stunning contrasts in their fur. Cross foxes typically feature a longer tail and darker, more complex color patterns compared to their red fox relatives.Earning this fox’s trust was no easy feat. Sam explained, “I was trying to assure him that I was not a threat.” Determined and respectful of the fox’s space, he made a habit of visiting the animal around sunset—letting curiosity and patience guide their encounters. Slowly but surely, the fox warmed up to him, eventually allowing Sam to observe and document its daily life.What followed were two unforgettable months of visits filled with learning, observation, and quiet companionship. Sam not only captured beautiful imagery but also developed a deeper understanding of the fox’s behaviors—how it hunted, cached food, played, and socialized with others, including its equally unique sibling who occasionally made an appearance in the photos.Unlike most melanistic animals, which tend to have solid black coats, this cross fox displayed a mesmerizing blend of dark and bright tones. It was a beautiful anomaly—an animal both elegant and wild, with a playful glint in its eye. Through Sam’s lens, we get a glimpse into the world of this rare creature, and it’s easy to see why he described it as not just beautiful, but intelligent and full of personality.
