“Safe at Last” – Ultra-Rare Black Fox Found Wandering in Wales, Now Rescued and Given a Second Chance

A rare black fox has been spotted stalking a seaside town

Wardens have been searching for the animal in Barry, south Wales (Picture: Wales News Service)

People in Wales have been looking twice after a rare black fox appeared in their seaside town.

Rare animal spotted roaming British streets as public warned to stay away - Daily Record

Wardens in Barry, south Wales, have been searching for the animal and have asked people to get in touch if they see it so it can be captured.

It is thought the fox has escaped from its owner after being privately kept as an exotic pet.

Rare black fox rescued in Barry after two-week search

It could be the same animal that escaped and was spotted outside the town’s Asda in 2021, and was also one of two on the loose in 2018.

Known as a silver fox despite its black colour, it is a sub-species of the North American red foxe and is basically the same aside from its colouration.

Barry: Rare black fox spotted roaming the streets - BBC News

It has a big bushy tail and can vary greatly in size and length.

They are often bred for their fur but are now sometimes kept as pets.

A rare black fox has been spotted stalking a seaside town. Neighbours have been ordered to look out for the fantastic Mr Fox seen prowling the streets - so it can be safety captured. Officials want to trace the animal which they believe has escaped from its owner after being privately kept as an exotic pet. The black-coloured creature - known as a silver fox - was spotted by several shocked onlookers in Barry, South Wales. PIC: Emma Thomas WALES NEWS SERVICE

The silver fox, also known as a black fox, has a big bushy tail and can vary greatly in size and length (Picture: Wales News Service)

A rare black fox has been spotted stalking a seaside town. Neighbours have been ordered to look out for the fantastic Mr Fox seen prowling the streets - so it can be safety captured. Officials want to trace the animal which they believe has escaped from its owner after being privately kept as an exotic pet. The black-coloured creature - known as a silver fox - was spotted by several shocked onlookers in Barry, South Wales. PIC: Sam Davies WALES NEWS SERVICE

They are basically the same as red foxes, just a different colour (Picture: Wales News Service)

The RSPCA advises anyone thinking of getting one as a pet to fully research its needs before making a decision.

Rare black fox spotted in Somerset is back home after escape bid - BBC News

Hayley De Ronde, who runs website blackfoxes.co.uk, says there needs to be regulation around owning and breeding the animals.

She said: ‘While some of these sightings will be of native wild foxes, some of the animals seen are that of escaped exotic pets in need of being located and returned home.’