PHOTOS: Portland's mystery Arctic fox spotted in Lincoln City?
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Arctic fox found stranded, hungry and dehydrated in Portland on Oct. 12, may have been spotted with its former owners in Lincoln City last month.
Portland resident Kendre Berger told KOIN 6 News that took a photo of a couple walking a strikingly similar creature at the beach in Lincoln City on Sept. 6.
Bird Alliance of Oregon spokesperson Ali Berman said that the animal seen in the photos appears to be the same fox currently in the organization’s care.
“Yes, that appears to be her,” Berman said.
According to Oregon state law, it is a violation to own an exotic animal unless the person has a valid exotic animal permit issued by the State Department of Agriculture prior to January 1, 2010. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesperson Beth Quillian said that Arctic foxes are considered exotic animals in the state of Oregon.
“Because Arctic foxes are a canid species that is not native to Oregon, their holding falls under the authority of the Oregon Department of Agriculture,” Quillian said. “The people who held this fox did so illegally as it was not registered with ODA.”
Any investigation into the fox's ownership would be conducted by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The ODA is currently working with Bird Alliance of Oregon to place the Arctic fox in an accredited zoo.