Vulpes Agonistes

Or more correctly Vulpes vulpes. Red fox.

About a month ago, I thought I spotted a red fox one evening across the street between the neighbors' houses. First one in 4 years. Wasn't certain, the light dim, and the animal was on the move away from me.

Within a week my neighbor confirmed he had seen a fox several times on our side, and coincidentally the next morning I spotted an adult red fox trotting along behind the neighbor's fence. A pretty animal, healthy looking in the bright sunlight.

Then two weeks ago as I was leaning on my back fence one evening I spied 4--could have been 5--kits romping in the tall grass. They crept through the uncut grass like mighty hunters, pounced on one another, spun about wildly when attacked. 

Such a congenial scene of a domestic bliss of sorts that I posted a blurb about it on Facebook and received a volume of reactions--positive reactions--equaling posts about my dog Max. (I think my retirement announcement generated nearly the number of responses. Nearly.)

Within a few days two adults--I would think the parents--appeared one morning. Both looked in great shape. They gave me a studied look but didn't bolt. Not, that is, until Max staggered down to the fence to roar his disapproval.

Here, I'll insert some basic research: In the wild foxes are most likely to have a 3-4 year lifespan. Our road traffic is not welcoming. The foxes, too, are small carnivores and are often killed by larger competitors. 

Saturday morning as I was digging out a few rogue Bradford pears on the hillside behind my fence, I spotted a carcass out where I had seen the young foxes playing. One of the kits, badly mauled in the attack. First thought, coyote. Second, dog. 

Sunday night, I spotted another casualty. Nearly mutilated beyond recognition. Again same grassy area, so close to what may have been the den. Again, simple research: 75-80% of foxes killed in their first year. A brute fact if true. 

And coyotes are reported to kill foxes and just discard the bodies. 

Of course, humans are the apex predator for foxes--are you surprised--through hunting and trapping, and our roadways of course. 

I am sorry to see how it goes for our local fox brood. Now that they have been found out, the future for them seems dimmer and dimmer.

The woods, my friends, are dark and deep.