Red fox in the Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

© Klaus Echle/Minden Picture

A red fox stalks the Black Forest. Red fox

Foxes have somehow picked up a reputation over the centuries for being cunning and sly. So when they're spotted slinking up a fallen tree in a dank, shadowy forest, they have the air of mischief about them. Our foxy friend here is pictured in the Schwarzwald mountain range in south-west Germany, better known in English as the Black Forest.

Fox myths around the world venerate this creature as a trickster or a shapeshifter who outfoxes larger, meaner foes like lions and bears. But the fox is said to hoodwink humans sometimes too… so do keep your wits about you if you find yourself wandering the wilderness.