Arroyo Grande to Unveil Bronze Statue Honoring Beloved Local Fox

Community raises funds for memorial to 'Foxy' after controversial euthanasia in 2017

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:41pm

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A highly stylized, silkscreen-inspired illustration featuring a repeating grid of a single gray fox figure in bright, neon-like colors, capturing the playful spirit and iconic status of the beloved local animal.A beloved local icon immortalized in a bold, vibrant pop art installation, celebrating the community's connection to the natural world.Arroyo Grande Today

Nearly a decade after the untimely death of a beloved gray fox known as 'Foxy' in Arroyo Grande, California, the city council has approved the installation of a bronze statue to honor the animal's legacy. The statue, created by wildlife artist Michael Tatom, will be placed in Centennial Park and serve as a permanent memorial to the fox that captured the hearts of locals before its controversial euthanasia by federal wildlife authorities.

Why it matters

Foxy's story sparked outrage in the community, with many questioning the decision to euthanize the fox rather than relocate it. The statue represents the community's efforts to preserve Foxy's memory and promote coexistence with local wildlife, despite the challenges that can sometimes arise.

The details

The bronze statue, measuring approximately 13 by 9 by 12 inches, will be placed in a tree planter in Centennial Park. The $6,500 project was funded through community fundraising efforts, with any remaining funds going towards future educational projects along the nearby creek. While the council approved the statue's installation, there were concerns raised about the location, size, and potential vulnerability to theft. Some council members expressed worries about the impact on the existing tree in the planter, but the majority voted 4-1 to move forward with the memorial.

  • Foxy the gray fox captured the hearts of locals in Arroyo Grande in 2017.
  • Foxy was euthanized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services in 2017 after a complaint about chicken predation.
  • The Arroyo Grande City Council approved the installation of the bronze statue in 2026.

The players

Foxy

A beloved gray fox that captured the hearts of locals in Arroyo Grande before its untimely death in 2017.

Michael Tatom

A wildlife artist commissioned to create the bronze statue of Foxy.

Vivian Krug Cotton

A volunteer who stated the Foxy bronze will symbolize the community's spirit, pride, and love for the city and its wildlife.

Caren Ray-Russom

The mayor of Arroyo Grande who expressed concerns about the statue's location and potential impact on a nearby tree.

Kate Secrest

A city council member who voiced worries about the statue's location and past issues with vandalism in the area.

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What they’re saying

“The Foxy bronze will symbolize our community's spirit, our pride, and our love for the city and the wildlife that surrounds us. It will educate and inspire us to live harmoniously with our ecosystem.”

— Vivian Krug Cotton, Volunteer

“I am extremely concerned about the tree's well-being. The concrete footing is quite large for such a small area.”

— Caren Ray-Russom, Mayor

“The location will attract attention and be a hit with children passing through the Village.”

— Jamie Maraviglia, City Council Member

What’s next

The bronze statue of Foxy is expected to be installed in Centennial Park in Arroyo Grande in the coming months, providing a permanent memorial to the beloved local icon.

The takeaway

Foxy's story highlights the importance of finding a balance between human and wildlife coexistence, even when challenges arise. The community's efforts to honor Foxy's memory through a public art installation demonstrate the power of grassroots initiatives to preserve local heritage and promote environmental awareness.