What do you do when you spot a rare red fox lurking near a lake? Of course you capture the moment and boast about it for the longest time. A similar scene unfolded near Pangong Tso or lake in Ladakh when a bunch of tourists were left pleasantly surprised with the appearance of a rare red fox. For the group, it remains an unforgettable encounter. The viral videoThe video (shared by Instagram user Vibhor Srivastava) of the beautiful alpine creature is going viral on social media where the fox can be seen confidently approaching the tourists’ vehicle. The animal looks absolutely handsome in his bright coat and bushy tail. Some people mistook it for a wolf which is obvious given its striking presence against the stark Ladakhi terrain. But soon the onlookers identified it as a red fox who was left “speechless” by the unexpected meeting.What made this wildlife encounter more memorable was not just the fox’s closeness to people, but how the tourists handled the situation. Despite the temptation to feed the curious creature, they refrained. It is a good thing to respect animal habitats. Who is this mysterious animal
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The animal spotted is a red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Local people also call it “Watse”. It is one of the most widespread canids in the world. However, sightings near humans is not that popular. Sporting a distinctive reddish-orange coat with a fluffy tail, these slender animals have an agile frame and thrive in cold environments. Its fur is long adaptations that help it survive in Ladakh’s severe temperatures. Other places where the animal can be found These red foxes are widespread across Europe, Asia, and even parts of North Africa. But the Himalayan red fox in Ladakh represents a subspecies living in the Trans-Himalayan cold desert. Their keen senses — particularly sharp hearing — enable them to detect small mammals such as marmots and rodents, among others.
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The Ladakhi red fox is appreciated for more than its striking looks. It is special because these creatures have shown immense resilience and lived in an environment where few animals thrive. Ladakh’s wildlife authorities are engaged in conservation efforts. A memorable scene The Pangong Tso red fox video is a reminder of the wildness that still thrives in Ladkhi regions and remains away from human eyes. As travellers continue to tread these fragile landscapes, encounters like this underscore the importance of responsible tourism and deep respect for the wildlife that calls the high Himalayas home.
