Foxes
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Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Those elegant, red-coated denizens of the dark, now often observed in daylight hours, are loved by many and abhorred by many more. I am of the admiring cohort, but I’m not a countrywoman or a farmer, and have no livestock to protect and worry about.
Whenever I see Reynard or his wife (what is her name? Renarda, Renardine, or Renarde!) trotting daintily through a hedge or leaping gracefully over a wall, my heart lifts, and, for an instant, I feel I am a part of Nature. These dog-like animals with their feline poise puncture our night-times with their eery screams and sharp barks, and chill our souls with their sobbing cries.
I’m sure foxes have a sense of humour. Why else would they steal single trainers from the doorsteps of houses and drop them outside someone else’s door? They also take other things that have been left out of doors, like feeding bowls, or toys from a toddler’s buggy. The truth is probably that, as scavengers, they are programmed to pick up anything they find, in case it is edible or might make suitable bedding in their den.
They may even leave a thank you in the form of scat. Believe that if you like, but the droppings are actually to mark their territory. If you have a problem with foxes stealing your running shoes, or wellingtons, or children’s toys, or walking sticks, there is a simple solution – don’t leave outside anything that you value.
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I would love to see one near me! I know they are around but we don't see them often. One time when I went out to get the post (the box is outside here in US) I opened the porch door and scared one at the bird feeder! Both of us just stopped, stared at one another for a second and off we both went - the fox to hide and me to grab my camera. Unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough!
ReplyDeleteI don't live too far from Sharon - maybe 75 miles or so, but foxes are few and far between. We, however, in this area have been overrun with coyotes. They run through our neighborhoods and down our city streets. There is some discussion about them grabbing small dogs and cats who are running outside, but many feel the days of letting small pets roam alone is asking for trouble and the coyotes are only doing what nature intended, to raise and feed their young. Further discussion states that civilization has intruded into their natural habitat and they are not to blame.
ReplyDeleteWe get foxes around here, in parking lots. I wonder if it's good scavenging, near humans eating everywhere. I love them and since we're living in their territory, we aren't in a position to complain if they raid the gardens.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful creatures, rarely seen here anymore, as I (like Ana) live in an area that has been claimed by coyotes. They each have their place in Nature, I suppose, but I must admit I would prefer the foxes.
ReplyDeleteI think I have only seen one in the wild once, and it didn’t look to be in great shape, but I have certainly heard them out there in the back country.
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