A platinum fox is a rare color mutation of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). It has a distinctive platinum blonde or silver coat coloration. Platinum foxes are one of the color morphs of the red fox species that occur naturally in the wild, though they are relatively uncommon.
Origin and History
The platinum coloring in foxes comes from a genetic mutation that causes a lack of phaeomelanin pigment. Phaeomelanin produces red and yellow hues in hair and fur. With very low levels of phaeomelanin, platinum foxes take on a silvery-grey tone. This mutation likely first appeared spontaneously in some isolated wild fox populations, the same way many color morphs arise randomly in animal species.
While sightings of platinum foxes in the wild were occasionally reported in parts of northern Europe and Russia, this coloration became more widely known after a Canadian fox farmer named Robert Thomas discovered several silver foxes among his farm-raised red foxes sometime in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Thomas was able to develop a captive breeding program to produce more of these unique foxes and eventually trademarked the name “platinum” for the color phase.
The platinum fox holds a place in fur farming history. In the early 1900s, fox farms were established in Prince Edward Island, Canada to breed foxes for their fur. Red foxes and platinum foxes were among the most desirable types. Selective breeding allowed farmers to increase platinum fox numbers and improve pelt quality over time. At one point, live platinum foxes were valued at up to $10,000 for their rarity and fur quality.
Today, platinum foxes continue to be bred on some fox farms around the world. They also occur naturally in very small numbers as a variation of the common red fox.
Appearance
The most distinctive feature of the platinum fox is its luxurious silver-grey fur. The coat appears almost white at first glance but has subtle silver and charcoal grey tones mixed in. Each hair has bands of color ranging from grey at the base to silvery white at the tip.
Platinum foxes have white fur on the chin, underside and short tail tip. Their ears often have darker grey fur than the rest of the body. The eyes are typically amber, brown or bluish-green. This fox has the same slender, agile body shape of other red foxes.
Here are some more details on the platinum fox’s distinctive appearance:
- Fur coloration ranges from silver to charcoal grey with white
- Long, soft coat with dense underfur
- Slim build with long legs, around 12 pounds average weight
- Pointed muzzle, large triangle ears
- Fluffy tail, about knee length, tipped in white
- Amber, brown or greenish eye color
Platinum foxes go through a molting season each spring when they shed their luxurious winter coat. The fur regrows by fall. In the summertime, the coat appears thinner and darker grey.
Genetics of Platinum Foxes
The platinum coloration in foxes is caused by a recessive gene mutation that suppresses the production of phaeomelanin pigment. Phaeomelanin creates reddish-yellow hues in mammalian fur and skin. With very low phaeomelanin levels, foxes take on a more silvery-grey appearance.
For a fox to be born platinum, it must inherit the recessive gene from both parents. If a fox only inherits one copy of the mutated platinum gene, it will be a carrier but still have normal red fur. Two carrier foxes can produce platinum offspring.
Here is a simplified illustration of platinum fox genetics:
| Parent Genes | Offspring Color |
|---|---|
| Platinum x Platinum | All platinum foxes |
| Platinum x Carrier | 50% platinum, 50% normal red |
| Carrier x Carrier | 25% platinum, 50% carriers, 25% normal red |
Researchers have identified a key gene responsible for suppressing phaeomelanin called ALX3 on fox chromosome 14. Mutations in this developmental gene are likely what first produced the platinum fox’s distinctive coloration.
Platinum Foxes versus Silver Foxes
Platinum foxes are sometimes confused with another color type of red fox called the silver fox. However, silver foxes and platinum foxes represent two distinct genetic mutations.
The silver fox is primarily distinguished by having black fur on its tip rather than white. Additionally, the silver fox’s coat is more tipped/frosted in appearance versus the platinum fox’s solid lighter shades. Here is a quick comparison:
- Platinum fox: Platinum grey and white fur, less black tipping
- Silver fox: More black tipped fur, frosted appearance
Both platinum and silver foxes are recessive genetic mutations of the common red fox. But they result from different gene changes that inhibit phaeomelanin production in slightly different ways.
Platinum Fox Behavior
There are no reported behavioral differences between platinum foxes and typical red foxes. Since the mutation only affects fur color, platinum foxes retain the normal traits and habits of the red fox species.
Like other foxes, platinum foxes are:
- Solitary hunters that live in defined territories
- Mostly nocturnal and crepuscular (active at dawn/dusk)
- Omnivorous, eating small mammals, birds, eggs, and fruits
- Excellent tree climbers
- Very agile with quick reflexes
- Good swimmers
- Communicate through various barks, yips, growls
- Make dens in sheltered spots, often underground
- Predominately monogamous breeders, mate for life
In the wild, platinum foxes exhibit the same wary, flighty nature typical of red foxes. They seem to use their camouflage advantageously when hunting. The silver fur provides excellent winter concealment in northern biomes dominated by snow.
Breeding Platinum Foxes
Breeding platinum foxes requires at least one parent that either has platinum fur or carries the recessive gene. But even with two carrier parents, only one quarter of offspring will be platinum. Careful selective breeding over many generations can increase the number of platinum foxes produced in a captive population.
Platinum foxes were first commercially bred in the early 1900s. Pelt prices once reached extremely high levels due to rarity and demand. Today, platinum foxes are still bred on some fur farms, particularly in northern climates like Canada, Finland and Russia.
Conservationists have raised some ethical concerns about fur breeding. However, professional farms must follow strict animal welfare regulations. There are also breeding programs working to conserve rare color mutations like the platinum fox.
Platinum Foxes as Pets
While beautiful animals, platinum foxes do not make good pets for most owners. Foxes are high-energy wild animals that retain many of their natural behaviors even if bred in captivity. Having a fox pet requires extensive experience with wild canines.
Here are some reasons platinum foxes can be challenging pets:
- Need a large outdoor enclosure and plenty of exercise
- Extremely energetic, prone to destructive chewing behaviors
- Have a natural musky odor that can be difficult to control
- Require a specialized diet of raw meats, fruits, vitamins
- Prone to digging and escaping almost any enclosure
- Need lots of environmental enrichment and social interaction
- May not be friendly with kids, other pets or strangers
- Often noisy with howling, barking, yipping
Very few states in the USA allow pet foxes. But some breeders specialize in selecting the best temperament foxes from each generation to produce tamer, pet-quality animals. Still, platinum foxes are a challenging exotic pet suited only to experienced owners.
Conclusion
The platinum fox is a rare color morph of the common red fox with a beautiful silver coat. First arising as a natural genetic mutation, platinum foxes became prized for their fur and were bred commercially on fox farms in the early 20th century. While no longer as valuable as they once were, platinum foxes are still bred in captivity today. They remain one of the more unusual color phases of the red fox.