MARIETTA, Ohio (AVC News) — A photograph of a gray fox taken by Marietta resident Todd Hawkins has been selected for the 2027 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife selected Hawkins’ photo from 99 entries in the 18th annual Wildlife Legacy Stamp photo contest. The image was taken in Washington County, and this year’s contest theme was mammals.
Diana Yatson of Strongsville placed second with a photograph of two river otters, while Troy Nemitz of Milan took third place with an image of a red fox. Entries were judged on originality, composition, technical excellence and overall beauty.
Gray foxes live in Ohio’s forested regions and have salt-and-pepper-colored coats and black-tipped tails. Unlike red foxes, which have white-tipped tails, gray foxes can also climb trees. Their diet includes small mammals, insects, birds, eggs, fruits and nuts.
The Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp helps fund wildlife conservation. Most proceeds support species of greatest conservation need through the Wildlife Diversity Fund.
The $15 stamp includes a commemorative card and features a different Ohio wildlife species each year. The 2027 stamp featuring Hawkins’ gray fox photo will be available beginning March 1, 2027.
The 2026 stamp, featuring a killdeer, is available through the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System, participating hunting and fishing license vendors and the HuntFish OH mobile app. A mail-in order form is also available through the ODNR website.
