I have no idea on the silver fox, not heard of one wild in NY.

Many farms raise silver fox, as they demand a penny or two on the fur block.

I think experience and knowledge are often mistaken for one another. I get the knowledge from from my career, and also from my hobby (I write a bit). It is only natural for people to make connections to others in the same general field, but with differing expertise. This is where you gain the all-important second hand knowledge that carries many people through in life.

I agree, experience from the field is the best. A bald eagle is something to take notice of in the wild. I get a visit from a 3 legged yearling buck, growing his first set of antlers, each day in the back yard.