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By VDC staff
An animal spotted in Rutland County is drawing attention from Vermont wildlife observers after a photograph of it was shared publicly this week on social media by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
The unusual sighting, photographed by B. Sanderson, shows a coyote with a light sandy-colored coat rather than the more common gray-brown coloring typically associated with the species.
Wildlife experts say the coloration, while uncommon, is a natural variation seen occasionally in coyotes. According to information shared alongside the photo, coyotes in Vermont can display a broad range of coat colors influenced by genetics and environmental factors.
Coyotes are commonly seen throughout Vermont, but most have a grizzled gray appearance, Fish and Wildlife said.
Less common variations include black, reddish, blonde, and mixed-color coats.
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I was not the VDC Staff who actually wrote this article, or else I would have said this:
This is a Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), specifically a pale or blonde color variant common in the northeastern United States.
The animal in the photo shows the classic slender build of a red fox, with a pointed snout, alert upright ears that have dark edges, and a relatively long, bushy tail. Its coat is a light sandy-golden tan rather than the more typical deep reddish-orange, which is a natural color variation frequently seen in Vermont and other New England states. The face displays the characteristic dark eyes and fine whiskers, while the body appears agile and well-adapted for moving through the grassy, rocky terrain visible in the background near Rutland, VT. Red foxes are highly adaptable and widespread in this region, thriving in mixed forests, fields, and suburban edges. This individual’s pale coloration helps it blend into certain light environments while still retaining the elegant proportions and facial features that distinguish it from similar species like coyotes or gray foxes.
the body is way too heavy to be a fox; one look at a fox that has been skinned will show they are tiny