The Fox Who Stole the Tetons (Well… Just the Shoes)

Move over, Smokey Bear — there’s a new furry face of the parks. Grand Teton National Park has a sneaky new celebrity who’s been padding his way into hearts, headlines, and — you guessed it — hiking boots. Introducing: the Grand Teton Shoe Bandit.

A Trail of Mysterious Footwear

It all started when baffled campers began waking up to find their shoes had vanished overnight. Sandals, sneakers, Crocs (yes, even those), all gone without a trace. Rumors of campsite ghosts and mischievous marmots flew fast… until one ranger caught the culprit red-pawed.

The thief? A cunning red fox. Sleek, silent, and seemingly obsessed with footwear. This four-legged felon has allegedly made off with over 40 shoes across multiple campsites. That’s right — the Grand Teton fox has a hoard that would rival Imelda Marcos.

Sole Searching

At first, rangers thought it might be playful behavior. But this fox has a clear M.O.: stealthy entries, targeted selections (he seems to prefer left shoes), and rapid retreats to an undisclosed den overflowing with his stylish spoils. National Park Service officials have now posted friendly signs at Jenny Lake warning visitors to secure their shoes — or risk becoming the next victim of Teton's toe-bandit.

Cowboy State Daily even put him on their “Most Wanted” list, suggesting a paw print lineup may be next.

Shoe Prints, Not Paw Prints

The fox, who’s yet to be officially named (but we’re partial to “Sneaker”), has become a viral sensation. Photos of him trotting off with trail runners and Tevas have sparked national headlines — and plenty of bad puns. One ranger joked, “He’s got more gear than REI.”

What Should You Do?

• Store your shoes inside your tent or car. Apparently, foxes know how to untie laces but not unlock doors.
• Don't chase him. The fox is fast. And honestly, do you really want to be the person yelling “Give me back my Croc!” in front of a ranger?
• Leave no trace… especially of your shoes. Hang them up or stash them securely. Consider it a new wilderness survival skill.

Wildlife Wonders — and Laughs

At National Park Posters, we’ve seen a lot over the years — bears opening coolers, raccoons unzipping tents, even a squirrel riding a bike (okay, that one might’ve been staged). But this fox and his footwear fetish? It’s a first. And we’re here for it.

So if you’re headed to Grand Teton this summer, keep your eyes peeled — and your boots buckled down. You just might spot the sneakiest sole collector in the West.

And hey — maybe the next poster in the Grand Teton collection should feature a fox with a shoe in its mouth, striding proudly through the pines.

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Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist with a passion for our National Parks! Rob has been exploring and capturing these incredible places for more than 50 years, creating WPA-style artwork to celebrate the landscapes, history, and wildlife that make each park unique. Check out the full collection at National Park Posters.