What I always found so interesting was the fact that no matter how different their species may be, animals will always have something in common.
For example, did you know that crows and dolphins are actually master tricksters? Both animals are incredibly intelligent – they know how to use tools, recognize themselves in mirrors, and even play tricks on other animals just for fun.
Foxes and dogs also have some similar traits. Not only do certain breeds look like long-lost siblings, but some foxes are able to mimic dog barks. And, just like dogs, foxes can laugh when they become excited or start playing.
It’s no wonder that sometimes, people mistake a fox for our furry best friends!
Who Do We Have Here?!
While finishing some paperwork in his office, the senior ranger at Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, Lane Fahrenbruch, noticed somebody playing in the snow outside his window.
At first, he thought it was just a stray dog having fun, but after taking a closer look, he noticed that it was something entirely different.
“I thought that I saw a stray dog at first. Then, after looking closer, I could see that it was a fox with a very unique coat,” Fahrenbruch told The Dodo.
It didn’t take Fahrenbruch too long to notice that this wasn’t just a regular fox. So, without wasting a single second, he contacted a fellow ranger, hoping to find out if this was what he really thought it was.
“I was in awe. I’ve seen plenty of foxes before, but never one of this color. I asked another ranger, and she said that she believed that it was a rare silver fox. We Googled it and confirmed that it definitely was what we were seeing.” Fahrenbruch said.
Shocking Discovery
Yes, you read that right – Fahrenbruch witnessed a very unique sitting. Silver foxes are a type of melanistic red foxes that are quite famous for their unique coats that can be dark black, blue-gray, and even silver.
According to research done by Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, these foxes make up about 10 percent of the red fox population. That is why they are so extremely rare.
Knowing that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Fahrenbruch and his colleagues decided to take their sweet time and watch the little fox as it played around.
Sadly, after just a few moments, the little fox went on her merry way and disappeared into the nearby bushes.
Even though Fahrenbruch wasn’t able to spot his rare friend again after that, his neighbors informed him that they saw her running around the wilderness, living the best life possible.
“I love the variety of work I get to do. Every day is different, and you never know what you will see or what calls you will go to. This was one of the cooler wildlife sightings I’ve seen,” Fahrenbruch said.