A nature photographer has captured stunning images of an extremely rare white fox near Munich, Germany, in what wildlife experts are calling a truly exceptional sighting. The small predator, distinguished by its snow-white fur and striking blue eyes, was photographed by Dominik Reigl during one of his regular wildlife photography expeditions in Munich County.
Heinz Sedlmeier, managing director of the Bavarian Association for Bird and Nature Protection (LBV), confirmed that such discoveries are genuine rarities in the wildlife world. According to wildlife experts, the young fox is neither an Arctic fox nor an albino, but rather exhibits a harmless genetic condition known as leucism, which causes a pigmentation disorder.
The condition differs significantly from albinism, where animals typically display red eyes. Leucistic foxes generally have blue or light brown eyes and acquire their unusual coloration through a defect in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. The skin beneath the fur is typically pink, as melanocytes are absent in large portions of the skin, preventing normal pigment production.
While this phenomenon occurs much more frequently in other animals, particularly corvids like crows and ravens, it is extremely uncommon in foxes. The LBV explains that worldwide, only very few completely white specimens of red foxes are known to exist, making this discovery particularly remarkable and scientifically significant.
Photographer Dominik Reigl discovered the unusual animal during what he described as a routine exploration tour. According to his account, he had been on the verge of calling off his photography session without success when he first spotted the creature during twilight hours. The moment was extraordinary, as he encountered a small, completely white fox with piercing blue eyes moving through the landscape.
Reigl's remarkable photographs show the fox gracefully moving through tall grass and along the edges of a corn field, occasionally pausing to stretch leisurely. Against the lush green natural backdrop, the white fox stands out immediately, creating a striking visual contrast that makes for captivating wildlife photography.
To protect this rare animal from potential disturbance or harm, photographer Reigl has chosen not to disclose the specific location where the white fox was spotted, according to the LBV. This decision reflects responsible wildlife photography practices aimed at ensuring the animal's safety and well-being in its natural habitat.
