Black Fox-like animal

by Helen Cory
(Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)

Recently while driving near Gowganda in Northern Ontario, we saw what looked like a black Fox. It was not a Red Fox as its legs were way too short and it was a smaller animal.

I'm mystified as to what it could be, as all I can find out about foxes in Ontario is that the red fox has a variation of colours.

Could this be another animal? It had the long thick tail of a fox, but its nose seemed to be a bit shorter. The coat was a dark gray to black ... no hint of red on the chest as my internet search has suggested.

Anyone have any clues?

Cheers,

Helen