The Ezo Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes schrencki) is a captivating subspecies of red fox that thrives in Hokkaido, Japan. This stunning creature is a highlight of our annual Hokkaido photography tours, where participants have the opportunity to witness these foxes in their natural habitat. Beyond Hokkaido, the Ezo Red Fox can also be found on the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, and the surrounding Northern Japanese Islands.
Unique Features of the Ezo Red Fox
The Ezo Red Fox is notably larger than the Japanese red foxes found in Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. While they share many similarities, subtle differences include the color of the lines on their outer ears and limbs. In the Ainu language, these foxes are called cironnup, sumari, kimotpe, or hurep, reflecting their cultural significance to Japan’s First Nations people.
Behavior and Habitat
Ezo Red Foxes are master hunters, preying on rats, mountain hares, birds, and insects. During autumn, their diet expands to include fruit and nuts. In early spring, mother foxes give birth to their kits, and by autumn, you may see young adults hunting independently for the first time. Their lustrous coats create a striking contrast against the stark whites and blacks of their surroundings, making them a photographer’s dream.
Ethical Wildlife Photography Practices
While photographing these wild animals is a memorable experience, it is essential to respect their natural behaviors. Unfortunately, the increasing trend of tourists feeding foxes for snapshots has created significant problems. Supplementary feeding disrupts their natural hunting instincts, encourages them to leave their home territories, and increases the risk of echinococcosis, a parasitic infection that can spread to humans.
The Dangers of Feeding Wildlife
A tragic incident on a Hokkaido highway underscored the dangers of interacting irresponsibly with wildlife. Tourists stopping to photograph an Ezo Red Fox led to a fatal accident involving semi-trucks. This heartbreaking event highlights the importance of safety and respecting wildlife from a distance. Wild animals are not attractions, and compromising safety for a photograph is never worth it.
Shiretoko Peninsula: A Sanctuary for Wildlife
The image featured in this newsletter showcases a truly wild Ezo Red Fox hunting in the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in northeastern Hokkaido, the Shiretoko Peninsula is a protected area within the Shiretoko National Park. The name “Shiretoko” comes from the Ainu word “sir etok,” meaning “the place where the earth protrudes.” This pristine region offers unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural environment.
Join Us for a Responsible Hokkaido Photography Experience
If you have questions about our Japan Photo Tours, feel free to contact us. Together, let’s explore the breathtaking beauty of Hokkaido while ensuring the safety of its incredible wildlife and our participants.
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