What is the significance of seeing a fox?

I was in Moerenuma Park the other day when I chanced upon a kita kitsune from afar. It looked like like this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vulpes_vulpes_laying_in_snow.jpg

I am wondering if there is any significance to the tourist when he sees one.

Just wanted to say lucky you. I wandered around for a long time hoping to see one and I didn't. I'm guessing its just like any other animal, folk lore is just that right?

I'm interested in that too - my missus saw one on the walk at Fushimi Inari. I thought it might have been a feral cat, but she was certain that it was a fox and her description of the colour was right for a fox. I would have thought you'd double down on the luck (good or bad) seeing a fox at a fox shrine.

Come on, superstitions can be fun. :)

I'm assuming you already read the Kitsune article on Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitsune

This website is more generally pagan, and perhaps not "accurate," but since we're just dealing in fun superstitions anyway:

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/fox-animal-symbolism.html

"In Japan, the fox was considered one of the rain spirits, and a messenger of Inari the rice god. Here the fox also symbolizes longevity and protection from evil."