I have observed a family of foxes for the past two years and this all happened because the mother had an injured leg and was struggling to hunt. I noticed two cubs were not looking in great condition (malnourished), so I left a bit of supplementary food until the mother recovered. Now fast-forward, and I am now witnessing the third generation of a fox family.
Watching foxes is fascinating and the attention to motherhood is legendary. I have seen the mother hobble away to hunt in all weathers.
Unfortunately, foxes don't live long lives – four to six years in the wild - and they face various hazards from a number of quarters i.e. human peril/hunting (given they are deemed to be a nuisance by some). However, the biggest killer of foxes is cars. During mating season in January with their mind firmly on other things, in conjunction with travelling distances combined with dark nights, sadly many foxes succumb to traffic.
There are also a lot of myths about foxes. One being they will attack pets. It is true a small animal such as a guinea pig would be at risk, but cats and dogs are not pets that a fox would opt to take on and risk injury. Foxes will scavenge roadkill, so a body of a dead pet by the roadside would be fair game to a fox and it’s possible where there have been sightings of a fox with a larger pet in its mouth then this is likely the reason. The jaws of a fox are quite narrow and their diet is fairly varied and includes berries, fruit, insects, small birds and mammals.
Visually foxes are stunning animals with complex social structures. The different calls and vocalisations are also interesting and I have learnt so much from observations. Even though the cubs were bigger than the mother, they still made way for the mother to eat first, thereby demonstrating a sense of hierarchy. As the cubs grew they would rear up and push against one another to demonstrate their strength, prowess and dominance.
Although I use long lenses, I have sort of been accepted, or tolerated maybe. And because of that I get to see foxes going about their business almost oblivious to my presence.
What is unquestionable is the beauty of this iconic species. I concur with the description someone gave to foxes. ‘Dog hardware running cat software’ This sums up foxes perfectly. They can climb akin to cats, yet in other respects resemble dogs.
Interestingly I've also seen them tolerate badgers too, literally walking side by side and eating together on occasion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here