In a snow-covered Pajala in October, photographer Lotta Nyberg was met by an unusual sight – a multicolored fox, something that SVT was the first to report on.
On both film and photo, she managed to capture the fox with red, white and black fur.
– It is fantastically beautiful, she says to TV4 Nyheterna.
Genetic mutation
A contact of hers tipped off a fox with unusual markings in an area of Pajala, which he initially mistook for a loose dog. He took a mobile picture, but as the quality was not optimal, Lotta Nyberg chose to go out to the cabin the next morning.
– I had hissed a little when I arrived with the camera and tripod and thought that it would probably take a while before they arrived. I had time to stand for maybe half an hour and answer a message when I saw the fox in the middle of the field. Then it was just a matter of pressing all the camera buttons, she says.
The reason why the fox has different colors is due to a genetic mutation, the photographer believes. It should be a normal red fox, but where parts of the fur do not store pigment.
Good luck the first time
Lotta Nyberg had never photographed foxes before, even though she had wanted to for a long time. But knowing where to be to see the foxes is difficult as they can be shy, she says.
And the photographer was lucky as it was the first time she managed to capture a fox in a picture – and especially especially when it was a fox with an unusual pattern.
– I have wanted to photograph foxes several times and have seen them when I was out driving. But it’s not possible to just stop in the middle of the road and run into the forest, she says.
Internationally recognized
There are many photographers abroad who noticed the picture and contacted her. Among other things, she will accompany a German couple who are hoping for the same fox luck, and the owner of the cabin works with tourism, who has also received many messages from people who want to come by.
After the successful meeting, Lotta Nyberg ordered a better lens to be able to capture sharper images in the future. As early as the weekend, she will return to the same area again.
– It probably moves in the corners and we have been out many times but have not seen it. So I hope it shows up.