Recently, while on the way to FFF event ( Forced Family Fun) my hubby spotted a fox. I did not believe him because how common are foxes in a large urban areas? I have seen them in woodlands and in prairies, but in a suburb about 3/4 of a mile away from a Forest Preserve? Really? We drove around to double check, while I was frantically changing a lens on my camera.
Yes really! I believe it was a red fox. One thing that gives it away (well duh) is its reddish/orange fur. Another is its habits. Red foxes do much better in open areas, clearings (read: back yards), prairies than their close relatives - the gray fox. What made the spotting even more exceptional is that the clever canine was accompanied by two little kits! How fun!
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| A suburban red fox encountered near Milwaukee and Lake |
Foxes usually mate some time in January and then have their litter (of anywhere from 2 to 15, depending on species, location and diet) in late March, early April. For the first few weeks they rarely leave their den or other hiding place and the father supplies the food. As they mature they stay with their parents and learn survival to then go their separate ways at the end of summer.
Foxes are canines, although they are the most cat-like ones of their type. They have beautiful long and puffy tails used for balance and to keep warm. Long ago they were valued for their pelts to decorate coat collars - my grandma had a couple that I fascinated and creeped me out at the same time.
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| A (presumed) mother fox playing tag with her two kits |
Foxes are great adapters - as mostly omnivores their diet ranges from small rodents to frogs, insects and berries. In an urban habitat they are known to occasionally rummage through garbage. Although most perceive foxes to be nocturnal, and they are active during dawn and dusk, especially in urban settings they can be active during the day.
Anyways, it was a wonderful encounter and I am happy I was able to grab a couple of pictures
Did you take the pictures?!? That's incredible. We've seen foxes around here in Denver. I tend to see them around the golf course, but we did spot one wandering through the neighborhood the other day.
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