Cross fox

The cross fox is a partially melanistic colour variant of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) which has a long dark stripe running down its back, intersecting another stripe to form a cross over the shoulders.

[3] Fur farmers and trappers continued to treat each red fox colour form as a distinct species until long after scientists concluded that they were variations of the same one.

[3] Cross foxes are occasionally reported in Scandinavia, having been described by Conrad Gessner and Olaus Magnus.

Excepting the muzzle, the upper part of the head, the hind quarters and the outsides of the shoulders and thighs have dusky brown underfur and black outer fur.

The flanks and sides of the neck are reddish yellow, while the muzzle, ears and underparts of the leg are black.