Colorado Ranger Mistakes Stray Dog For Something Far More Unique

Certain wild animals are sometimes confused with dogs or cats. This could be due to their similar appearance or simply because we are surprised to see them in unexpected places.

Whatever the cause, one thing is certain: seeing a wild creature in its natural setting is always a special moment, as long as it is enjoyed from a safe distance.

A similar event recently unfolded at the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources in Colorado.

Senior ranger Lane Fahrenbruch was in his office doing his usual work. One moment, he looked out the window and saw an animal moving in the snow. 

At first, he thought it was a stray dog wandering near the reservoir. But something told him to take a closer look…

After closer inspection, Lane was shocked to realize the animal in the snow wasn’t a dog at all, but something much rarer and completely unexpected. He shared in an interview:

“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.”

Lane was stunned to see such an unusual visitor. Even more surprising was that it wasn’t just any fox, but a very special one.

After seeing the animal, he immediately called a colleague to confirm his suspicion. He added:

“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.”

So, what was so special about this fox?

A silver fox is a melanistic red fox, known for its unique coat that can range from dark black to blue-gray and silver. However, these foxes are extremely rare.

According to Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, they make up about 10 percent of the red fox population.

Lane and his colleagues continued admiring the rare fox from a distance. The animal walked around, sniffing and looking at the trees and bushes before running away without a trace.

However, they didn’t miss the opportunity to snap some photos of this stunning creature.

After doing some research, the rangers shared the photos of the red silver fox on Facebook, saying:

“We love our wildlife! Check out this rare silver fox sighting near Horsetooth Reservoir yesterday. Note that silver foxes are the same species as red foxes. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, genetic variations result in four recognized color phases: red, cross, silver, and black. All have a white-tipped tail, just as this one does.”

Since that day, the rangers have not come across the fox again. Even so, Lane has heard from nearby residents who say they have seen it wandering through the surrounding wilderness.

Despite not seeing the fox again, Lane was happy for the opportunity he had, and that’s why he loves his job. He shared:

“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.”

Encountering such a rare animal is the kind of moment that stays with you forever, and it is wonderful that Lane and his colleagues were there to witness it firsthand.

Experiences like this not only add an extra spark of excitement to their work but also serve as a reminder of the incredible wildlife that still thrives beyond our everyday view. It is these unexpected encounters that make their time in the field so memorable and rewarding.