Bonkers-looking fox is just a fox, Yellowknife told

Photos of an oddly gangly fox that did the rounds on Yellowknife Facebook last week don’t show any strange cross-breed or unusual species, the NWT government says.

Images of a fox said to have been taken near the city’s St Pat’s high school appeared on the NWT Species Facebook group last week.

The pictures were accompanied by the text: “What the heck is this?”

Dozens of residents had answers.

Mornings at the Cabin host Jesse Wheeler called it a “foxyote,” joining others who suggested a fox and coyote were jointly responsible for what they were witnessing.

Others fought back, saying a fox and coyote would not be capable of conceiving a child.

Further suggestions included “a jackal” and “Anubis.”

The actual answer seems straightforward if disappointing. As one resident wrote: “It’s just a fox.”

“This is a red fox,” the Department of Environment and Climate Change confirmed by email on Monday, with just the slightest hint of a raised eyebrow in the direction of a journalist who should know better than to ask.

“Its shorter coat may give it a leaner or taller appearance than what people usually expect. They are very common in the area, and there’s no need for concern,” the department stated.

“As winter approaches, the fox will likely grow its fluffier winter coat, making it look more like the foxes people are accustomed to.”

Seizing the opportunity to append some useful messaging to the ridiculous fox question, the department added: “We ask that residents help keep our wildlife wild by not feeding animals or providing access to food. Wildlife that becomes habituated to humans can quickly become a nuisance or pose a danger to people.”