This handsome critter is a partially melanistic variant of a red fox, sometimes called a cross fox. Melanism describes a heavily black pigmentation of the fur, and fully melanistic red foxes are known as silver foxes. Cross foxes are one result of a red/silver fox cross. Though they were once thought to be a separate species, cross foxes now carry the same classification (Vulpes vulpes) as the red fox. They're not terribly rare in the northern U.S. and Canada, but still merit a second (or third!

13K views · 643 reactions | The Cross Fox — proof that nature doesn’t need filters ✨ #CrossFox #WildPhotography #UntamedNature #FoxMagic | Sondre Eriksen Hensema Photography | Facebook