Are inari foxes real

Inari foxes, often associated with the Shinto deity Inari, are not a distinct species of fox but rather a cultural symbol in Japanese mythology. They are typically depicted as messengers and guardians of the rice deity, often represented as white foxes. While the foxes themselves are real animals—specifically the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)—the concept of Inari foxes as spiritual beings is rooted in folklore rather than biological reality.