black fox

red fox color variant

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

A black fox is a melanistic variant of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Melanism is a genetic mutation that causes an overproduction of dark pigment, resulting in a black coat. While typically reddish-brown, red foxes can also exhibit black, silver, or cross-colored coats, particularly in North America. These color variations are natural and do not represent separate species. The black fox, or silver fox, was historically prized for its rare and beautiful fur. Red foxes have the widest distribution of any land mammal besides humans, inhabiting diverse environments from urban areas to deserts.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

fox
The red fox
In North America black and silver coats are found, with a variable amount of white or white-banded hair occurring in a black coat. A form called the cross, or brant, fox, found in both North America and the Old World, is yellowish brown with a black cross extending…
Read More
In North America black and silver coats are found, with a variable amount of white or white-banded hair occurring in a black coat. A form called the cross, or brant, fox, found in both North America and the Old World, is yellowish brown with a black cross extending…
Read More