Stunning Photos And Video Footage Of Rare And Wild Black And Red Cross Foxes
You've probably heard of an Albino condition that strips humans and animals both of melanin, but you probably have not heard of melanism. Melanism is arguably the exact opposite of Albinism since it creates much darker skin tones and much like Albinism in animals produces lighter skin and fur patterns, Melanism in animals creates darker skin and fur patterns.
The Cross Fox is a stunning example of how Melanism in nature can be incredible to see. A version of the red fox, the Cross Fox can sometimes be entirely black but is most known for a black stripe down it's middle back and an additional intersecting stripe across the shoulder blades, presenting in the form of (you guessed it) a cross.
The sight of the Cross Fox may be a little eerie for some people, but most people find these stunning animals to be breathtaking.
Historically, the Cross Fox was once considered an entirely separate species from the Red Fox.
It even had it's own scientific name before it was realized they just have Melanism.
It is also believed that in the past, Cross Foxes were much more abundant than they are today.
Sadly, their beautiful furs were once the desire of many humans and they were relentlessly hunted because of it.
It was also once believed their striking appearances were a bad omen!
As a result of being hunted for both their fur and to rid the areas of bad omens, the Cross Fox nearly went extinct. However, in their home of North America they can still occasionally be spotted.
The only notable differences between Cross Foxes and Red Foxes are slightly bushier tails, slightly larger frames, and wooly feet.
Have a good look at these utterly majestic foxes while you can, because extinction is still not out of the realm of possibility.
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