Watch: Ladakh surprises tourists with a rare red fox near Pangong Tso

Travel stories often trend online, but only a few truly stay with people. One such moment from Ladakh is now doing the rounds on social media. It is not loud or dramatic. It is calm, real and unexpected.

A short video near Pangong Tso has caught attention because it shows how quietly nature can step into a human moment and leave everyone stunned.The clip has sparked wide reactions, not just for the rare animal sighting, but also for the way the travellers handled the situation.

A simple stop that turned special

The video was shared on Instagram by Vibhor Srivastava during his trip to Ladakh. While the group stopped near Pangong Tso, they noticed a wild animal moving close to their vehicle.

The animal did not rush or panic. It calmly walked around, leaving the travellers speechless.Sharing the video, Srivastava wrote, “Nature and travel vibe. When Ladakh surprises you with its wild beauty. Stopped by Pangong Tso and met this beautiful red fox - a moment I'll never forget.”He added, “Nature always knows how to leave you speechless.”

Some tourists initially thought the animal was a wolf. Later, it was identified as a red fox, known for its pointed ears and bushy tail.

At one point, someone suggested giving food to the animal. Others in the group quickly stopped the idea, reminding everyone that feeding wild animals is not advised.

Online reactions praise the choice

As the video spread across social media, many users focused on the responsible behaviour of the travellers.One user commented, “Good job by not feeding it. People need to understand that feeding a wild animal is not good for the wild characteristics of that animal.”Another user wrote, “They are rare. Lucky that you could encounter one.”A third comment read, “The red fox is a beautiful animal. Our nation is truly blessed with diverse wildlife, and I hope we strive to do everything possible to preserve these creatures.”

Forest officer flags a concern

According to a report by NDTV, Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan also reacted to the viral video and shared an important observation.He wrote, “Himalayan Red fox, beautiful. But somebody has clearly given her food the last time. That is why she is expecting and roaming on the road. I often say; sympathy based conservation is the enemy of species.”His response highlighted how feeding wild animals can affect their natural behaviour.Thumb image: Vibhor Srivastava