Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Most Likely a Fox, Right?

17 out of 19 people so far say that this young mammal is a fox.  The other 2 people say a young coyote in its summer coat.  These people are all wildlife biologists, wildlife conservation specialists, or outdoor park managers who have lots of experience with both animals, so I enjoy their input and find it very interesting.

Personally, I've got my money on it being a young fox.  The tail does seem to have darker edges and a dark tip, which is common of a coyote though.  An attempt to persuade me to calling it a coyote was made based on the size and shape of the ears, and how a coyote would be this skinny in summer due to it losing a lot of its winter coat, but I hold my ground and still call it a fox.

Whatever it is, its a skinny one and was captured on camera in Fairfax County, Virginia.  The camera was reset and is still at the exact same spot.



Do you agree with me and say that this animal is a fox? Or do lean towards it being a coyote?

5 comments:

  1. My first impression is: fox. But I am divided as to which species. Have you considered that it might be a Gray Fox rather than a Red. Even though I know red foxes have a huge degree of color variability, the dark tail and darker looking back are pushing toward id'ing it as a gray fox. Also the habitat - while red foxes use woodlands, grays are much more at home there. I wish the fox was in the video frame just a little bit longer.

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    1. Mike, thanks for the comment. I agree that it is probably a gray fox with that dark tail.

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  2. No doubt in my mind that that is a juvy red fox with black stocking legs!

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    1. I agree with fox but would a juvy red fox have that darker tail fur? Most reds here have a white tip even though they can vary a lot. Either way, thanks for the comment and hope your new job is doing you well.

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  3. The long body, shape of its head, long legs and longer tail show it's a fox.

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