The red fox has been crowned Austria’s Animal of the Year 2025 following a nationwide vote organised by the Nature Conservation Association, beating the chamois and the ground squirrel to the title.

Known as a survival expert and “nature’s health officer,” the red fox plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by preying on weak and sick animals, the organisation said in a press release.

“The red fox belongs to the canine family and is easily identified by its reddish-brown fur and white-tipped tail. Its bushy tail aids with balance, while its excellent sense of smell and eyes adapted for twilight make it perfectly suited to life in the wild,” the association explained.

Adaptable and Shy

Foxes are known for their adaptability, thriving both as solitary creatures and in family groups. Originally forest dwellers, they have seamlessly adjusted to urban environments, finding plenty of food in parks and gardens. “Despite this adaptability, encounters with humans remain rare due to the fox’s shy nature,” the association added.

A Figure in Folklore

In European culture, the fox has long symbolised cleverness and cunning, often appearing in fairy tales and folklore. While it is sometimes viewed as sly or deceitful, in certain regions, the fox plays a more endearing role, such as delivering Easter eggs.

For conservationists, however, the red fox is primarily celebrated as a captivating wild animal and a vital part of Austria’s natural heritage.