The fox caught stealing hotdogs in Canada.
Image: Facebook
Kyle Melnic
Canadian police said they caught a hot dog thief this week, and the bandit did not make an attempt to conceal the evidence.
A constable was on patrol in Blairmore, Alberta, when she spotted a red-haired fox carrying five or six full hot dogs in its mouth, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta. Police posted the fox’s photo on social media Tuesday, with a wink and a nod, to warn the public about the brazen criminal.
Thousands of people shared the photo, including many who jokingly insisted the fox was wrongly accused.
“He is innocent!!!” someone wrote. “Could have got those weiners anywhere!!!”
“Suspect asks for consideration on the grounds of extreme cuteness,” another person said.
“Generally against ‘crime’ but maybe this one gets a pass,” wrote another commentator.
Police didn’t take the animal into custody or file charges.
“The suspect was released without conditions - and a full belly!” according to the police department’s Instagram post.
Police shared the photo with a deadpan and fictional backstory of how they received a call reporting a barbecue theft. It’s unclear where the fox found the hot dogs.
“We’re hoping that people see it for what it was: a lighthearted story - something funny - to share with the public and, you know, something that hopefully will bring smiles to a few people,” Cpl. Mathew Howell told The Washington Post.
The fox was spotted with the mouthful of cookout contraband a week before Victoria Day, a holiday honoring Britain’s Queen Victoria, who signed the British North America Act that established Canada as a country in 1867. Canadians celebrate the holiday similarly to how Americans observe Memorial Day - with lots of barbecues.
The constable who saw the fox was in a neighborhood surrounded by woods, Howell said. Mating season for red foxes in Alberta is in January and February, meaning their kits are typically born in the spring.
After the constable took the photo of the fox, Howell said, the animal ran into the woods. With cookout and camping season starting in Alberta, Howell said, it’s possible the fox won’t be the only clever animal trying to sneak off with large amounts of picnic food. Though perhaps others will be less audacious.
“We hope everyone is kicking off BBQ season safely!” the police department’s post ended.