RED FOX KITS - Field Notes May 26, 2019
While out spring hiking with the dogs, I regularly see fox tracks. Their tiny feet track lightly on packed snow. Their gait is purposeful and structured, going from here to there and no meandering along the way. I’ve even seen bright copper hair on the snow, indicating they’re shedding their winter coat.
It’s delightful to watch this litter of Red Fox kits. Their behaviour very much reminds me of the antics of domestic puppies. I have only seen Mother’s white-tipped bushy red tail as she scoots away from the den. She has four kits, I believe two of the four will come out when I’m in the blind. For this reason, my visits are very brief if they are out of the den.
The main entrance
This appears to be the entrance the family uses most. The raised sandy area is a favourite spot for grooming and napping.
There are at least five “holes” in active use, most often located at the base of a tree. I suspect the root system provides stability to the walls and tunnels of the den. One can only imagine the number of tunnels under the forest floor.
Each fox den I have encountered has been similar to this….. sheltered and on the east side of a hill in a deciduous forest.
A lovely place to dig your home. Well drained, sheltered and surrounded by Trilliums, Warblers and Ruffed Grouse.
Another back door…
The Setup.
I have placed a blind quite a distance from the den. Initially, I didn’t return to the blind for several days to give the foxes time to get used to its presence. The blind is cosy, protective from wind and provides welcome relief from blacklfies. The camera is mounted on a tripod, ready to go when the kits appear. The shutter is set to “silent” shooting which although is slower, is less intrusive for the foxes. Some days they come out of the den quickly, one day I waited two hours for their appearance.
This….. is worth waiting for. This was taken on my first visit to the den. I spent several hours seated waiting and watching. The kits did come out and were not overly concerned about my presence. It was after this visit, I decided the blind was a better option. In the end, foxes do seem to tolerate people fairly well, and in no way do I want these foxes to become used to me.
The young kits are cautious yet curious. They pay very little attention to noises from adjacent properties or the road. Slight sounds from me are also ignored. However, rustling of feet in the leaves instantly sends them rocketing down the holes to the safety of their den. Seems to me they can discriminate between which sounds are benign and which herald life threatening potential.
It’s truly a gift to watch the young kits romp and play. I suspect they want the same things humans do….. food, safety, shelter and companionship.
I welcome their presence, see their contribution to community and value their existence.