I walked a trail just after sunrise at the Fort Smith National Historic Site in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
A flash of red fur caught my eye in the grass. I stopped and saw a Red Fox sprawled on a game trail crossing the asphalt path. Its gaze locked on me, steady and unflinching. The fox’s red coat stood out against the mix of green and faded golden grass. I couldn’t believe I had spotted it.
I raised my camera and started shooting. The fox remained calm, lying on the trail, unfazed by my presence. Its red fur and white underside contrasted sharply with the grass as I captured its alert expression. Coming across this stunning creature in its element felt like a wildlife photographer’s dream.
Red Foxes are the largest of the true foxes. Their range covers North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. They adapt well to diverse habitats, from forests and grasslands to mountains and cities.
After a while, the fox trotted off into the grass. I felt lucky to have had this encounter and to capture such striking photos. The Red Fox is one of nature’s most captivating animals, and seeing one up close was unforgettable.
These moments keep me coming back to wildlife photography. I never know what I’ll find in nature, and meeting this fox was the highlight of my week.