Fox Fathers

There are many examples of good fathers across the animal kingdom. Seahorses, for example, who fertilise and incubate the eggs, then give birth to their young. Emperor penguins, who keep their eggs warm for two months while the mother is at sea feeding. The two month sea feast is essential; females expend so much energy preparing and laying the egg that they needs this time to replenish their reserves. And red foxes are included among the list of best dads in the animal kingdom.

A regular sight in many areas, there is a magical beauty to these mammals. From the striking colouring, to the bond which may develop between foxes and humans who encounter them.

Behind the amber eyes lies a complex and intelligent mammal. The UK’s only wild member of the dog family, foxes live in small family groups. They are usually based underground, in an earth, although some have been observed living alongside badgers in badger setts. Omnivores, the fox diet ranges from small mammals to nuts and berries. Urban foxes rely on scavenging for most of their food, and have consequently developed strong stomachs and immune systems. The Fox Project report that having made over 15,000 rescues in 30 years, they have yet to encounter a starving adult fox.

Parenting

When the cubs are born in springtime, both mother and father mobilise to care for their brood. The mother remains in the den for around a month, providing food and warmth for the young. During this time, the father hunts alone making sure his mate is fed every 4-6 hours. Fox fathers have been observed raising their young family alone if the mother has died.

As the cubs grow, fox fathers spend much of their time playing high energy games with the brood, giving the mother some well deserved rest. During these sessions, he helps the cubs to develop their skills in hunting, and avoiding threats. Observers recorded one fox father waiting patiently for his cubs’ aunt to fall asleep before calling softly, inviting the young to join him in play.

After about three months, the male fox starts to reduce the amount of food he provides to encourage the young to venture out of the den. He doesn’t leave them without provisions. Instead, he hides food nearby, covering the supplies with twigs and leaves. This helps the cubs to develop their skills in scenting and foraging food. Of the 20-30% of cubs who reach adulthood, some of the females may remain within the family group, while others disburse to new territories.

Quick Facts

• Foxes are the only members of the canine family who can retract their claws – like cats do
• Foxes also have vertical pupils which are again like cats, rather than the rounded pupils of other canines
• Foxes are the most widespread species of wild dog in the world
• Grey foxes live in North America, and are the only type of dogs who can climb trees
• Both fox parents are compassionate and intelligent when raising their family: in 2009, a fox cub was caught in a snare for 2 weeks before being rescued – he only survived because his mother brought him food while he was trapped
• The Latin for red fox is Vulpes vulpes