Michigan DNR Documents Rare Melanistic Gray Fox in Midwest
In 2019, a member of the public captured a photograph of a melanistic gray fox, marking the only instance of this color variation in the Midwest. Recently, this image was submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for their gray fox research. The DNR shared this discovery on Facebook, clarifying, "This is not AI." Melanism leads to increased dark pigmentation, with black squirrels being a familiar example in Michigan. Gray foxes, which inhabit a large portion of the Americas, are among the least understood mammals in the state. This summer, the DNR is seeking public reports of gray fox sightings, highlighting the importance of photographs. Tyler Petroelje mentioned that these foxes often reside near human populations.
Key facts
- The Michigan DNR received a photo of a melanistic gray fox from a member of the public.
- The DNR says it is the only known example of a melanistic gray fox in the Midwest.
- The fox was originally observed in 2019 but shared with the DNR more recently for research.
- The DNR posted about the find on Facebook, prefacing it with 'This is not AI'.
- Melanism is a genetic condition causing increased dark pigmentation.
- Gray foxes are found across much of North, Central, and northern South America, with Michigan at the northernmost extent of their range.
- This summer, the DNR asked the public for gray fox sightings to better understand their distribution.
- Tyler Petroelje is a DNR Upper Peninsula research specialist.
Entities
Artists
- Tyler Petroelje
Institutions
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Locations
- Michigan
- United States
- North America
- Central America
- South America
- Portugal
- Colombia