Little white foxes are a color variant of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) species. Like red foxes, little white foxes belong to the Canidae family, which includes dogs, wolves, jackals, and other fox species. The scientific name for the red fox is Vulpes vulpes. Little white foxes are not a separate fox species, but rather a morph or color phase of the red fox.
White foxes are the result of a genetic mutation that causes a piebald or leucistic coat color. This means they have varying amounts of white fur instead of the usual red fur. The degree of whiteness can range from a few white patches to almost entirely white fur. Their eye color also varies from amber, blue, to brown.
While not technically albino, little white foxes lack the pigmentation and red fur coloration of typical red foxes. They occur naturally in some isolated wild populations, but have also been selectively bred in captivity to produce litters of all-white or mostly-white foxes.
White Fox Terminology
There are a few different terms used to refer to white color morphs of the red fox:
– Arctic fox: This name is sometimes incorrectly used for white foxes, but arctic foxes are a separate species (Vulpes lagopus) native to the Arctic region.
– Silver fox: Refers to foxes with black fur tipped with white, giving them a silvery appearance. This is a different color morph of red foxes.
– Platinum fox: Foxes bred selectively for a very pale, almost white coat color. They may have a sprinkling of gray, red or black hairs.
– White fox: A general term for any red fox with white or off-white fur. Can refer to both wild color variants and domestic breeds.
– Leucistic: The scientific term for an animal with reduced pigmentation causing white, patchy, or pale coloration. Little white foxes are a leucistic form of red foxes.
Origins of White Foxes
White foxes first originated as a natural genetic mutation in some isolated wild red fox populations. White color mutations occur naturally in many animal species.
Some of the earliest sightings of white foxes come from Scandinavia, with scattered reports of white foxes in the wilds of Norway and Finland. Parts of the British Isles and Baltic region also saw occasional white foxes well before any breeding efforts.
These color variants likely appeared randomly in wild red fox litters. If a white fox survived long enough to reproduce, it could pass on genes for whiteness. In small, isolated populations, this trait was occasionally perpetuated naturally.
Captive Breeding
While white foxes appeared naturally in the wild, concentrated efforts to breed white foxes began in the late 1800s with fur fox farms.
Fox farms and fur traders sought to breed red foxes with mutations for white fur. The platinum mutation produced silvery-white pelts highly coveted by the fur industry. Breeders selectively mated white-colored foxes over many generations to develop white fox bloodlines.
Pelts from white foxes became extremely valuable. Some report the start of captive white fox breeding programs in Prince Edward Island, Canada in the 1890s. But Russian fox farms may have also pioneered white fox breeding earlier.
Fur farms established lines of specifically white-colored red foxes. These intensely bred foxes were exported worldwide for fur production. The white fox pelts were referred to as platina, pearl, or arctic marble fox furs in the fur trade.
White Fox Breeds
Through selective breeding, fox farms developed several breeds of fox recognized for their white coats, including:
– Platinum fox: Very pale, ice white fur. Bred from silvery black fox mutations.
– Arctic Marble fox: Bright white fur with grey Guard hairs. Developed in Finland.
– Pearl fox: Pure white coat, some light silvery Guard hairs. Bred in Norway.
Today, these white fox breeds are still produced for the fur industry. They are not considered separate species from red foxes. These names reflect breeds specifically selected for white fur traits over many generations.
In addition to purposeful breeding on fur farms, some private breeders and pet owners have bred white foxes as exotic pets. White foxes can demand high prices from buyers wanting a rare and unique pet fox. However, foxes are challenging pets that retain many wild behaviors.
White Fox Genetics
The genetics behind white fox coat color involve mutations in pigmentation genes. While the specifics are still being studied, scientists have identified some key gene variants:
– Piebald gene (S): Causes random white spotting and belly patches. Present in variable white fox morphs.
– Platinum gene (P): Causes extreme dilution of red pigment resulting in a pale, icy white coat when homozygous (PP).
– Star gene (St): Adds white markings on the face, legs and tail tip. Present in some domestic breeds.
– Silver gene (Z): Reduces eumelanin (black pigment), resulting in silver or black-tipped fur. Distinct from white fox genetics.
Through whole genome sequencing, researchers continue to learn more about the genetic basis of whiteness and domestication in foxes. The mutations causing white foxes originate spontaneously but can become concentrated through selective breeding. Understanding these genes has helped fur farmers propagate white fox traits.
Rarity in the Wild
While breeders can produce litters of entirely white foxes, all-white foxes rarely occur naturally in the wild. Most white foxes in nature are leucistic with a mix of white areas and some normally pigmented fur.
Truly albino mammals with no pigment are extremely rare in the wild since they lack camouflage from predators. Some white foxes in the wild may approach true albinism with pink noses, eyes, and claws. However, most retain at least some pigment in the eyes and skin.
The white coat stands out against winter snow, making survival challenging. While white foxes occur naturally, their brightness would disadvantage them in the wild compared to normal red fox camouflage. They may rely on hiding and stealth hunting skills to survive.
Estimated numbers of white foxes in the wild are low. Sightings typically generate excitement among wildlife photographers and observers due to their striking appearance. Most observations of white foxes in the wild are limited to certain northern regions of Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia and Russia where red foxes reside.
Relation to Domestic Dogs
Like domestic dogs, red foxes and their color morphs belong to the Canidae biological family. Foxes and dogs share a common ancestor in the wolf-like canids of the past.
Red foxes are the most widespread wild canid species. As foxes diverged from wolves and dogs evolutionarily, they adapted as smaller, solitary hunters rather than pack hunters. Foxes are not capable of being domesticated in the same way as dogs due to these intense wild instincts.
Nonetheless, there are some parallels between white foxes and similar white canine coat variations. Selective breeding has given rise to all-white dogs such as Samoyeds, West Highland Terriers, and Bichon Frises. The genetic basis of whiteness in domestic dogs is likely related to that of white foxes.
Unique Traits of White Foxes
Aside from their distinctive white pelage, little white foxes generally share most other traits with their red fox kin. These include:
– Smaller size compared to other canids, generally 4-10 lbs as adults.
– Pointed muzzle, large ears, bushy tail. Signature fox features.
– Omnivorous diet of small mammals, birds, insects, plants, fruit and human food scraps.
– Solitary hunters, only pairing during the breeding season, mothers raising kits alone.
– Excellent sense of hearing, good vision, acute sense of smell.
– Adaptable habitat, can thrive near human settlements.
A few differences in white foxes include:
– Occasional blue irises or pink noses, lacking pigment.
– Dark claws, lips and nose may be mottled pink and black.
– Increased risk of sunburn, blindness and deafness stemming from lack of melanin.
– Rare zorros albino strain has poor vision, tracking and hunting ability.
Overall, white foxes share most standard fox features and behaviors. Only their distinctive coats set them apart from common red foxes.
Habitat Range
In the wild, white foxes occupy the same habitats and ranges as red foxes. As color phases, their environmental adaptations are identical.
Red foxes have an extensive Holarctic distribution covering most of the Northern Hemisphere. Environments include:
– Arctic and alpine tundra
– Boreal forests
– Temperate forests
– Grasslands
– Agricultural areas
– Rural and semi-urban environments
Red foxes avoid only extremely harsh deserts and the High Arctic region. Their wide-ranging ability to occupy diverse habitats makes red foxes the most widely distributed terrestrial carnivore.
As white foxes originate from red fox populations, they can inhabit any region where red foxes are found. Most wild white fox observations occur in northern tundra and boreal forest biomes of Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia and Russia where occasional white morphs may arise.
Dietary Habits
The dietary habits of white foxes match those of red foxes. As opportunistic predators and scavengers, red foxes consume a very diverse omnivorous diet.
When hunting live prey, red foxes feed on:
– Small mammals: rodents, rabbits, hares, pikas
– Birds: ducks, geese, songbirds, upland game
– Invertebrates: insects, earthworms, spiders
They also forage for plant foods including:
– Berries: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
– Fruit: apples, plums, grapes
– Seeds and grains
– Grasses and tubers
As foxes are highly adaptable, they will readily eat human garbage and pet food near urban areas. White foxes have the same varied diet and ability to thrive on diverse food sources.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Reproductive patterns in white foxes match those of red foxes. Mating takes place in winter. After a 52 day gestation period, vixens give birth to a litter of 1-10 kits.
Red fox kits are born helpless with closed eyes and rely on their mother’s care. Kits first open their eyes after 8-14 days. They nurse on their mother’s milk until weaning at 4-5 months old.
Kits begin eating solids around 1 month old. By autumn, they develop hunting skills and disperse to establish new territories. Sexual maturity and breeding happen within the first year.
In the wild, red fox lifespans range 1-5 years. Mortality is highest in immature foxes with only 30% surviving to adulthood. In captivity, they can live up to 14 years. There are no indications white foxes differ in lifespan or reproductive habits.
Interactions with Humans
Throughout history, red foxes have been both persecuted as pests and prized for their fur. Human interactions with white foxes follow similar patterns.
As rare and eye-catching animals, white foxes have a long history as zoological curiosities, depicted in art and literature. Sightings of white foxes in the wild captivate nature photographers eager to capture images.
However, foxes also have a negative reputation as cunning chicken thieves and predators of livestock like lambs. Their opportunistic food habits can bring them into conflict with farmers. Both red and white foxes are sometimes subject to predator control efforts involving traps, hunting and poisons.
At the same time, fox furs have been treasured worldwide for scarves, coats, stoles, muffs, and trim. The fur industry drove efforts to farm and breed foxes, especially rare white fox mutations prized for their extreme pelt value.
Today, red foxes tend to be more appreciated for their adaptability and resilience near people. And stunning white foxes enjoy attention as symbols of wildlife diversity. Sustainable captive breeding provides white fox furs without wild harvesting.
Cultural Depictions
With their mystical allure, white foxes have inspired many cultural legends and associations across the Northern Hemisphere.
In Northern Asian folklore, white foxes feature as intelligent shape-shifters with supernatural powers. Chinese and Japanese legends tell of white fox spirits called huli jing and kitsune that could assume human forms.
Celtic mythology describes white fairy foxes that could appear and disappear at will, believed to live in the otherworld. Arctic people saw the rare white fox as an omen bringing the mystical secrets of the north.
Today white foxes remain embedded in popular culture as mystical creatures. The Japanese have long associated white foxes with Shinto religion. The rare color morph persists as a symbol of mystery, magic, and potent forces of nature.
Population Status
As a color variant of red foxes, white foxes are not considered a separate wildlife species. There is no distinct population monitoring or status for white foxes specifically.
Red foxes as a species are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to their stable populations and vast range. They may even have expanded their habitat in recent centuries. Persecution as pests posed greater historical threats to foxes when their fur was less valued.
White fox numbers within red fox populations fluctuate naturally based on random mutations. White coats likely persist at low frequencies in the wilds of northern regions. Today, most white foxes arise from purposeful breeding on fur farms seeking the rare color trait.
With less pressure for fur trapping from wild foxes, combined with sustainable captive breeding, white fox populations overall appear secure. Yet the novelty of witnessing a white fox endures for observers in nature. Their ghostly coats will continue inspiring fascination wherever they appear.