The rare black fox spotted in North Yorkshire

The more common red fox can become a pest to businesses and homes, when it strays into areas where it could cause a nuisance, but at MJ Backhouse we have not as yet encountered the rare black fox. This is hardly surprising, as we understand the black fox is in fact Britain’s rarest animal, with only a handful of sightings in recent years. In fact, Martin Hemmington, of the National Fox Welfare Society, said: “There have only been five confirmed sightings in Britain in as many years.”

Photographer Mr Fuller was intrigued by reports of sightings of the rare animal, and undertook a three-month project to catch one on camera in his home county of North Yorkshire. The Express newspaper quoted Mr Fuller describing the fox to be “as black as a Labrador, with just the hint of silver highlights along its body.” He said he “was expecting the fox to be dark, and was surprised to see how black the fox actually was.” Confirming reports by others who have made rare sightings elsewhere in the country, he said: “”It had a beautiful white tip to its tail, just like that of a red fox.”

The black fox is not in fact a different species of fox to the more common red fox, but is the result of a genetic deficiency. Red fox cubs are generally black when born, turning red later, but in some rare instances, fox cubs may remain black. Sightings of black foxes were historically thought to bring bad luck.

At MJ Backhouse, however, we believe that being beset by pests in your home or business could be considered more than sufficient bad luck, and we are pleased to say that we provide an efficient, and professional pest control service to deal with this unlucky situation throughout Yorkshire.

To enlist the help of our skilled pest control team, for any type of pest control in York or throughout Yorkshire, including fox removal, call MJ Backhouse, on 0800 542 6359.