My First Swift Fox Encounter in Oklahoma

My first swift fox encounter came as a surprise while I was camping at Black Mesa State Park in Oklahoma. I spotted it sitting in tall grass beside a road I had not explored before. At first, I thought I had found a red fox.

A Swift Fox Encounter Along an Unfamiliar Road

I was scanning a field on the west side of the road when I caught that first glimpse. The fox sat looking around, giving me a chance to see more than a flash of fur.

A better look revealed a swift fox. In my photos, you can see its tan coat, large ears, and dark markings beside the muzzle. The walking view also shows its black-tipped tail.

That first impression reminded me of another fox I have photographed. I shared that sighting in Red Fox At The Fort Smith National Historic Site.

After this encounter, I read more about the species and felt fortunate to have seen one. Swift foxes are most active around dusk and at night, and they often shelter underground during the day.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation lists the swift fox as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need. In Oklahoma, it lives mainly in the Panhandle High Plains. The state classifies it as a furbearer but keeps its season closed because of its scarcity. You can read more in the department’s swift fox field guide.

Photographing the Fox as It Stalked

A few moments after I spotted it, the fox began walking and stalking through the field. Several times, it came close to where I had parked. Those passes gave me a better view and a chance to make the photos I wanted.

The grass hid parts of its legs, but I could follow its movements as it searched. I never saw it catch anything during the time I watched.

I was happy to get both an alert standing view and a photograph of it moving through the grass.

A Young Cow Ends My Visit

My time with the fox ended when a young cow walked into the area and chased it farther from the road.

I would have liked to keep watching, but I was happy with the photos I had made. Exploring that unfamiliar road had given me my first look at a swift fox.