Meet the Marble Fox
The Canadian Marble Fox, also known as the Arctic Marble Fox, is a rare and striking subspecies of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), found in a small region of Canada. Unlike the typical red fox, this unique variation sports a beautiful white coat with dramatic black or gray marbling, a result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation. While they have the same sharp intelligence and adaptability as their red fox relatives, marble foxes are not a separate wild species; instead, they are primarily bred in captivity for their distinctive fur pattern. In the wild, foxes are skilled hunters and scavengers, using their keen senses to locate prey like small mammals, birds, and insects. Though their stunning coats might make them look tame, marble foxes are just as clever and elusive as any wild fox, thriving in cold environments with their thick fur and bushy tails that help insulate them from harsh weather.
Park Location: Animal Walkabout
About the Marble Fox
Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Height | Up to 27 Inches (69 cm) |
Length | Up to 25 Inches body length (63 cm) |
Weight | 3 – 21 lbs (1 – 10 kg) |
Diet | Unlike many other foxes, which are primarily carnivorous, the Canadian Marble Fox is an opportunistic eater that will consume a wide variety of food. They are known to eat berries, fruits, small mammals, fish, and even insects. |
Gestation Period | 50 – 54 Days |
Life Span | 3 – 14 Years |
Top Speed | 30 mph |
Threats | Despite their beauty and adaptability, the Canadian Marble Fox is a relatively rare and little-known animal. The population is estimated to be quite small, with only a few thousand individuals remaining in the wild. This is due to a variety of factors, including habitat loss, hunting, and disease. |
