A mystery animal which could be a rare black fox has been spotted near Huddersfield.

Kirkburton resident Alex Tindle says he saw the highly unusual beast loitering in fields in the Woodsome Lees area of Kirkburton off Penistone Road.

The elusive animals have only been seen by a handful of people in the UK and pictures of them are few and far between.

Alex managed to snap this picture from the upstairs of his home.

While the image is not conclusive he says he is sure it was a fox and not a stray dog.

He said: “It was definitely a fox, you could tell from its mannerisms and it seemed to have a bushy tale.

“I spotted it munching on some berries in a field behind our house.

“I wasn’t aware there was such a thing as a black fox but I Googled it and discovered they are very rare.”

Black fox in the Woodsome Lees area of Kirkburton
Black fox in the Woodsome Lees area of Kirkburton

Alex is hoping other people have seen the animal to confirm he was not seeing things.

If you have seen it contact the Examiner newsdesk on 01484 437712.