Rare Himalayan Red Fox Sighted At Zojila Pass | Video

Last Updated:January 30, 2026, 19:56 IST

Often referred to as the Hill Fox, this elusive carnivore plays a key role in controlling populations of voles, small rodents found in fragile alpine pastures.

Himalayan red fox sighted in the Zojila Pass. (ANI)

A Himalayan red fox was recently sighted at the Zojila Pass in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing attention to the rich and diverse wildlife found in the high-altitude region. The rare sighting was recorded by locals and wildlife enthusiasts, who shared images of the animal moving across the snowy terrain.

The presence of the Himalayan red fox in the area is seen as a positive indicator of a healthy ecosystem and has once again highlighted the importance of conserving the fragile biodiversity of the region.

Often referred to as the Hill Fox, this elusive carnivore plays a key role in controlling populations of voles, small rodents found in fragile alpine pastures.

Environmentalists note that the fox’s descent to lower elevations is a clear indicator of the ecological stress currently gripping the higher Himalayan reaches.

This subspecies is generally a shy inhabitant of higher altitudes, but recent heavy snowfall across the Himachal range has driven these adaptable predators into lower, more visible meadows.

Unlike the desert fox found in Gujarat’s plains, this mountain-dweller has a much thicker, ashy-orange coat that helps it survive the sub-zero temperatures of the Great Himalayan range.

This dense fur is an evolutionary marvel, providing insulation against the bone-chilling winds that sweep across the 2,730-metre-high ridge.

In a separate incident, the Himalayan Red Fox, known scientifically as Vulpes vulpes montana, was also sighted recently, navigating the snow-dusted slopes near the ancient Parashar Lake in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.

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