Police in Canada thought they had a barbecue bandit on their hands.
The suspect was described as short, red-haired, wearing a thick coat, and last seen carrying several stolen hot dogs.
But this was no ordinary thief.
The culprit was a hungry fox.
The Alberta Royal Canadian Mounted Police shared the hilarious photo on Instagram on May 12, showing the fox standing in the grass with a mouthful of hot dogs like it had just pulled off the perfect cookout heist.
A constable with the department spotted the animal while on patrol in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. According to police, the fox appeared to be carrying about five or six hot dogs.
No one knows exactly where the little thief found the food, but police had some fun with the case online.
“After a brief investigation, the suspect was located attempting to conceal the evidence nearby,” police joked in the caption.
“The suspect was released without conditions — and a full belly!”
After being spotted, the fox reportedly ran off into the woods as officers were in the area.
Cpl. Mathew Howell told The Washington Post that police hoped people would enjoy the silly story for what it was.
“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,” Howell said.
And smile they did.
People flooded the comments with jokes defending the fox and celebrating its unexpected feast.
“He is innocent!!! Could have got those weiners anywhere!!!” one person wrote.
Another joked, “What a yummy supper he had that day!”
A third added, “That’s such a cute picture lol! He hungry!!”
The timing made the whole thing even funnier. Canada celebrated Victoria Day on May 18, just days after the fox was caught with the hot dogs. As The Washington Post noted, the snacks could have come from an early holiday barbecue.
Whatever the source, one thing is clear.
This fox may have been caught red-pawed, but it definitely did not leave hungry.