Today I saw a fox walking on Lake Kussharo.
I usually don't see animals other than swans walking on the lake, so I dashed out to take a picture as soon as I spotted it, but I was knee-deep in snow and my shoes were sticky!

The fox also noticed us and ran off to the shore.
It was too far away for the 300mm lens.

Quote from @mashukoice's post

The photo shows frozen Lake Kussharo and Mt. A fox stands alone on the lake. The contrast between the fox's simple presence and the grandeur of the lake and mountains is overwhelming. We spoke with the owner of the photo, "Aisu of Lake Mashu," who captured this beautiful moment in time.

Difficulties in taking the picture

--Please tell us about the time you took this photo.

At that time, I was driving in the Lake Kussharo area for work. I have to go to the Lake Kussharo area several times a month, and I had been taking pictures of the scenery and swans each time before.

--How did you become aware of the foxes?

I was driving along and a fox walking on the lake happened to come into view. I hurriedly parked my car in a safe place and headed out to take a picture, but by the time I reached the lakeshore, I was knee-deep in snow many times and my shoes were sticky with snow. Still, it was a rare situation, so I did my best and managed to get there.

--It was hard work...

Yes, it was. At first I was trying to get a close-up of the fox, but the fox must have sensed that I was getting close, because by the time I got to the lakeshore, it had run far out to sea... and as time went on, it got further and further away. So I gave up on trying to get a close-up of the fox and switched to a landscape composition, hoping that the fox would go to a better background. Then the fox went to the mountain where I took this picture, and I was able to take this picture. I think I was very lucky.

--I think I was very lucky! Finally, for the benefit of other photographers, could you tell us about the camera you actually used?

I used a Nikon Z8 camera. I used a 300mm lens this time, but it was still a bit far away and I cropped it slightly. If I had only had a smartphone this time I don't think I would have been able to take these photos.

Lake Kussharo as seen by "Lake Mashu no Aisu

The Akan/Kussharo area, where you can encounter magnificent nature and wildlife

It is very rare to see foxes walking on the surface of the lake, but according to Lake Mashu's Aisu, they are usually easy to spot when they are walking on land, and not only foxes but also Ezo sika deer appear. (Please be careful not to touch wild foxes, and when driving, be careful of Ezo sika deer and other animals that may jump out at you.)

) Why not visit the Akan/Kussharo area, full of Hokkaido's magnificent nature and wildlife, and see for yourself?