Wildlife Photographer Captures Rare White Fox with Genetic Condition Near Munich

Sayart

sayart2022@gmail.com | 2025-08-08 17:06:57

A nature photographer has made an extraordinary discovery near Munich, Germany, capturing stunning images of a completely white fox with blue eyes. The rare sighting has been confirmed as a genuine rarity by wildlife experts from the Bavarian Association for Bird and Nature Conservation (LBV), with the organization's managing director Heinz Sedlmeier emphasizing just how uncommon such a find truly is.

The remarkable animal was discovered by photographer Dominik Reigl during what had nearly been an unsuccessful expedition. According to Reigl's account, he was on an exploration tour and was about to call it quits when he spotted the unusual creature during twilight hours. The young fox appeared completely white with striking blue eyes, immediately catching the photographer's attention and prompting him to document the rare encounter through both video footage and still photography.

Wildlife expert Sedlmeier explained that the white fox is neither an Arctic fox nor an albino animal, as some might initially assume. Instead, the fox's unusual coloration is the result of a harmless genetic defect called leucism, which is a pigmentation disorder that affects the animal's ability to produce normal coloring. This condition differs from albinism and creates the distinctive white appearance while maintaining the animal's blue eye coloration.

The LBV noted that while leucism can be observed relatively frequently in corvid birds such as crows and ravens, it is extremely rare in red foxes. Only a few completely white foxes have been documented among the red fox population, making Reigl's discovery particularly significant for wildlife documentation and research. The phenomenon represents a fascinating example of genetic variation in wild animal populations.

To protect the welfare of this unique animal, photographer Reigl has deliberately chosen not to disclose the specific location where the white fox was discovered. This decision reflects responsible wildlife photography practices, ensuring that the animal can continue to live undisturbed in its natural habitat without being subjected to potential harassment from curious visitors or amateur photographers seeking their own encounter with the rare creature.

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