Silver Fox
Vulpes vulpes (Melanistic morph)
Silver foxes represent a melanistic form of the red fox, resulting from an excess of dark pigmentation. Given the variation in this trait, they range from completely black to a slate grey, often varying significantly in how much “silver” is actually visible. However, generally, their base coat is jet black or dark grey while the tips of their guard hairs are white, creating the distinctive frosted appearance that gives them their name. Their nose is almost always black, and their eyes are typically bright yellow or amber, which stands out sharply against their dark face mask.
They favor mixed and deciduous forests with dense undergrowth for cover. They are highly adaptable and thrive in “edge” habitats—where the woods meet fields or suburban areas.
Because they are avid diggers and climbers, they require complex environments with visual barriers to lower stress.
The Silver Fox is a melanistic color morph of the common Red Fox. While rare, this black/silver coat variation occurs naturally in the wild, most frequently found in the Pacific Northwest and parts of Canada.
While technically omnivorous, these foxes are opportunistic feeders.
- Wild: “Vertebrates” usually means voles, mice, rabbits, and birds. They supplement this heavily with seasonal fruits, berries, and vegetables.
- Zoo: High-quality canine kibble supplemented with raw meat, eggs, and fresh produce.
- Wild: 3 – 5 years (Due to high mortality rates)
- Captivity: 10 – 14 years
- Silver foxes are actually born black; the distinctive silver “frosting” only appears as their guard hairs grow in.
- They are one of the few canids that can partially retract their claws, similar to a cat.
- The “Domestic Silver Fox” is a result of a specific Russian experiment and is genetically distinct from wild foxes, though they look similar.
