The CantmIre Post

It was a sad day in Autauga County, Alabama, when Sheriff Joe Martin died Monday after a brief battle with cancer. He had been weeks away from starting his third term as sheriff of the county and had served with distinction for the past six years.

The governor of Alabama will now have to appoint someone to take Sheriff Martin's place. But one unexpected group has already voiced their opinion on who should fill the post: foxes.

After news of Martin's death spread, local foxes began gathering outside the county courthouse and sheriff's office in what some are calling an "unusual show of support." The foxes seem to be unified in their belief that someone from within their ranks should take over as sheriff.

Local experts believe that the foxes may have gotten their idea due to the fact that they have seen animals serve as leaders in other areas before. There have been reports of deer leading herds and even bears acting as leaders in some cases. It is possible that these animals are picking up on this trend and hoping to advance it by putting one of their own into such a prestigious position.

The governor has not yet commented on whether or not he will consider any of the fox applicants for the position, but it is clear that they are very passionate about having one of their own lead Autauga County's law enforcement efforts. It remains to be seen if this unusual show of support will help determine who takes Sheriff Martin's place or if it will just remain a unique footnote in Autauga County history.