![]() Similar species: The gray fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus) is grayish, with a slightly smaller size, black-tipped tail that is triangular (not circular) in cross-section, a dark brown (not tawny) iris of the eye, and coarse body fur. ![]() All of the several alternate color phases have a white tail tip. They are still red foxes, though, it is just a variation in their coat color. The three most common morphs of red fox are the red, silver, and cross. Shawn continued, Black morphs of red fox are more common than in coyotes. Over the last several years, reports have come in from Monroe (not including these observations), Vigo, and Kosciusko counties. Black, silver, and other color variations are possible, especially in the commercial fur industry, but the only alternate color phase represented in our state is the very rare cross fox, which has a dark band down the back and across the shoulders. Red foxes can come in a variety of colors including black and a light blonde color. The black-phase in canines occurs occasionally due to genetic mutation. ![]() In Missouri, nearly all individuals exhibit the typical red color. The cheeks, throat, and belly are whitish. The nose pad is black, and the backs of the ears blackish. The tail is similar but mixed with black and tipped with white. Upperparts are reddish yellow, becoming slightly darker on the back. A new red coat usually grows in by the end of the first month, but some red foxes are golden, reddish-brown, silver, or even black. The pupil of the eye is vertically elliptical (oval). The red fox is doglike in appearance, with an elongated, pointed muzzle large, pointed ears that are usually held erect and forward moderately long legs and a long, heavily furred, bushy tail that is circular in cross section.
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