# Michigan Confirms Rare Fox Photo

> Michigan DNR says melanistic gray fox photo is an incredibly rare sight in the region.
- Title: Michigan Confirms Rare Fox Photo · Digital Camera World
- Summary: Michigan DNR says melanistic gray fox photo is an incredibly rare sight in the region. Michigan DNR confirms a melanistic gray fox photo is an incredibly…
- Keywords: michigan dnr, melanistic gray fox, red fox, gray fox, white balance, camera error, fox sightings, Michigan, Confirms, Rare, Fox, Photo
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/photography/nature-and-wildlife-photography/michigan-confirms-unusual-fox-photo-is-an-incredibly-rare-sight-and-could-be-the-only-one-like-it-in-the-region
- Published: 2026-10-05T15:35:39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: michigan dnr, melanistic gray fox, red fox, gray fox, white balance, camera error, fox sightings
## Michigan DNR confirms unusual fox photo
Michigan DNR shared photos of a melanistic gray fox taken in the state, calling it an incredibly rare sight in the Midwest.

> This is an incredibly rare sight, and it's the only example we're currently aware of in the Midwest
## Melanistic fox explained
Melanism is a genetic condition giving animals darker coats than usual, with Michigan's black squirrels being a common example.
## Fox species differences
Michigan has two fox species: red foxes with white-tipped tails and gray foxes with black-tipped tails that can climb trees.
## Purple color confusion
Social media comments noted the fox appears purple, but the DNR says this is likely a camera white balance error, not software manipulation.
## DNR seeks fox reports
Michigan DNR is looking for reports of fox sightings with photos to better understand where red and gray foxes live in the state.
## Key takeaway

Michigan DNR confirms a melanistic gray fox photo is an incredibly rare sight in the Midwest, likely due to a camera white balance error causing purple tones.