A male fox, 18 months old, bitten by a dog.
Working with the foxes was nothing like I expected it to be. First I imagined that they would be cordoned off somehow, and be irate and up for a scrap…..I was wrong on both counts.
The foxes are kept in cages and a divider is inserted into the middle of each cage. That bit is easy enough, just cleaning the cordoned off area. The second half of the job involves opening the cage door and gently persuading the fox to trundle off into the cleaned area. I expected them to leap straight out, but no…..they were as good as gold. They are very, very controlled. They move ultra slowly and gaze at you with such intensity, and all the while, there I am gently moving the paper encouraging them to move.
An orphan fox cub.
This is the system, gently roll up the paper and hope the fox moves off into the area that has been cleaned, and once it does, slot the divider into place and cordon off. I dared to take pics while cleaning the littluns….I was FAR more wary with the bigger guys.
A young fox with mange which will kill them within four months if left untreated.
The thing that struck me about the foxes was how small they actually are when compared to the average sized dog. In many ways they appear more catlike despite being part of the dog family. Looking at them I wondered how anyone could actually hunt them with a pack of healthy well-fed dogs, just for entertainment. I bet a fair few that were hunted were cubs and were probably suffering with mange which is rife in the fox world. Not very fair at all!
A fox with a large wound on it’s side. This one is going into the cordoned off area on the left.
I asked if the foxes ever jumped from the cages when the door was opened, apparently only one has ever done that to date, something for me to watch out for though….and given there were no hawk gloves in the room to catch them with if they did go for it, I was ultra careful and kept my beady eye firmly fixed upon them.
I must say, hand on heart, cleaning out herring gulls is FAR more frantic than fraternizing with foxes, they hang from digits and savagely peck any bits of exposed flesh they see, while not a sound came from the foxes….and no biting or scratching either. Actually even hedgehogs are harder work, some of their prickles draw blood. So….here I am, totally besotted by foxes, I’m really looking forward to getting to know them better, as a species….there is a no bonding with foxes policy!!! We want them to stay wild….so not a word is spoken in their space.
And finally…
As I came out of the foxes quarters’ I came across the ram sheltering from the rain. Not in the barn mind, oh no….in the handymans’ shed!
We used to have a family of foxes come into our garden when we lived in London. They’re a fantastic sight to behold, unless you keep chooks of course.
Really interesting post, thank you x
I see a lot of foxes here throughout the year. One of my son’s friends has a family of foxes in their garden; he thinks the lair is under their shed and has seen them sunbathing on the shed roof! The foxes here are quite cautious around people, always watching but ready to run off if anyone comes too close. Beautiful creatures on the whole but it’s always wise to be wary of any naturally wild creature. I hope you’ll be able to show us more photos as you become more accustomed to each other.
I can just imagine the foxes sunbathing, what a wonderful picture that would be! They are ultra watchful aren’t they, also very intelligent. I treat them with great respect, until I know their ways I shall be slow and watchful, just like them! Thanks Caro.xxx
Oh, to be working with foxes! Those faces and eyes are wonderful. Talking of faces, that’s a very smug looking ram sheltering from the rain.
Suzy x
I am really enjoying being around them Suzy, I just love the intensity of their stare.
That ram is boss of the farm, holds his ground against the largest pigs he does!xxx
We have on occasion seen a fox when we do out evening walk with the dogs. Most recently we saw one run across the road in fear of the larger and more aggressive coyotes which we could hear yip-yapping in the distance. They do seem to be quite shy and I agree with you comparison to cats. They are quite cat-like.
Gosh, I can’t imagine what it must be like to have coyotes close by! Yes, it’s odd that they are part of the dog family isn’t it? xxx
I’m moved to tears. These beautiful but poor creatures have been mistreated for too long. Thank goodness there is help and compassion for them. It’s wonderful that you do this in silence – I don’t know if I could resist speaking to them.
Keep up the good work!
Rose H
xx
Awwww….I know Rose, it’s heartbreaking to think how so many of these beautiful animals have suffered. They do have so many health problems too. It’s good to see these being treated and hopefully returned to the wild.It really is hard not to interact with them but we don’t want them being friendly to people when they are released. Thanks Rose, I hope all is well with you, I do miss your lovely posts.xxx
They are such beautiful creatures. How lovely you get to help them.
It is a real treat to see them close up and it will be great to see them go back. Thanks Free, hope all is well with you.xxx
Loved this post…you know how much I love the mother fox who uses a large den she created on the side of our land for birthing and nursing her pups every spring…I don’t feed or speak to the pups, but I love watching and photographing them…and I sure do miss them when they head out to create their own hunting and breeding spaces far afield. They are beautiful, mercurial animals…
Love the ram, too: how wise and patient he looks! 🙂
Thank you, Dina, for your–as always–interesting and wonderful post!
You are so lucky to have that fox to watch and photograph, especially when the cubs are born. I don’t see many foxes in the wild, just fleeting images at night so it’s such a pleasure seeing them close up, a shame that they have health issues though, but at least they are treated and returned to where they were found. As you say, they are such beautiful creatures.
Our ram is a real character, he does exactly as he pleases and goes wherever he wants. He has taken a fancy to the handyman’s shed which makes it awkward for the handyman!
Thanks Kitty, it always great to have you visit.xxx
The foxes here have mange, too. It’s such a nasty disease. They are so beautiful. It would be so hard not to stroke them. Smart ram – find the best shelter possible!
Oh….what a shame that your foxes have mange too, is there a rescue that will take them in and treat them? It is a terrible disease that will kill them, they have so much going against them don’t they?
Lol….that ram is a one off….he is a law onto himself, his barn is there but no, he prefers the shed!xxx
There might be some wildlife rehabilitation groups that take them but most are left to fend for themselves. Foxes aren’t as common here as they are in England, although I do see them occasionally.
A fascinating post about your lovely foxes. I shall be interested to hear how you get on. It will be nice to see them with their wounds and mange cleared up.
Are you sure that is a real live ram? It looks like a stuffed one to me.
Hahahaha…..a stuffed ram!! He will be most insulted being the hot-blooded living critter he is!
The fox with the bitten nose has healed up nicely now and will be released shortly, sadly the little cub with mange died, I think it was too far gone. I am looking forward to finding out more about them, they really are interesting little creatures.xxx
Loved this post of the foxes and dear sheep, but especially love that you are such a guardian angel to all these wild and domestic creatures. With so much cruelty and abuse in the world perpetrated upon creatures of all sorts , you are a shining example of “Harm None” and love is the place from which we should all operate , all the time. I spend half my days signing petitions and writing letters to try and raise awareness and stop abuse of animals as well as the environment and other social issues. It is gratifying to know that you are out in the field so to speak working to relieve suffering. I admire your dedication and hard work. Thank you for all you do.
Ahhhh, thanks so much Val. I know exactly what you mean about cruelty in this world, Each day there seems to be a new horror story doesn’t there, I spend so much time signing petitions too…I use the twiitter account attached to this blog….and as soon as one thing is banned it seems like twenty more spring up in their place. I can’t understand how some people can be devoid of all compassion, surely being human means we should have a little humanity….yes, you can despair at times.
I like the Harm None…I do try to harm nothing. Good to know you are out there helping too!!! xxx
Hello , Really good to know you also are helping out with signing petitions and writing emails~ we really need everyone who cares about protecting and preserving both wild and domestic creatures to speak up and share their collective voice because these things have and can make a big difference when enough people demand to be heard. We all have more power to make change for the better if we just make our voices heard. The animals cannot so we have to be their advocates. Always look forward to your posts whether about the garden or where you have been around town , with animals or all of them combined. it is a joy and always life affirming , which are things sorely needed these days. Re: devoid of compassion, I have this conversation frequently with other animal rights activists as well we environmentalists and it is complex thing a for a variety of different reasons as to “why” but there does seem to be a real disconnect with some people when it comes to having empathy at all for anyone other than themselves. Glad there are people like you in the world though ~ it helps not to feel that we are struggling alone against a tide of the “bad guys”~ that there are others in the world who care about the planet and all it’s living creatures. Thanks again for all you do.
I remember how long it all took twenty odd years ago, writing and posting letters to ban the seal hunts and such….now at least the internet makes it so much easier, although it is hard to hear some of the things that are happening and the pictures are so awful.
I totally agree how each voice helps, the good thing about twitter is I can re-tweet petitions to two and a half thousand people, and many sign and re-tweet.
That’s exactly what I think too, animals have no voice and no choice…..and it’s usually people inflicting the damage so it’s up to people to put it right and re-address the balance.`
I’m lucky to have many friends who are animals rights activists, peaceful ones who continually protest, it’s good to be around like-minded people and know there are many out there like you and your friends. I think you are right, some people are self obsessed and will only come around when it too late and there’s nothing left of this earth.
Yes….it’s always good to know you are not alone. Thanks so much for your kind words Val, I really do appreciate your visits.xxx
So good to know you are doing work for animals through social media as well and as you said , can reach 1000’s in seconds ~a big change from the past when hardly anyone was aware of so many issues which desperately needed more voices and signatures~ that is the great advantage of the internet. Having the support of people around you there is an enormous help as well~ Just having others validate and support what you do, can make you feel less alone and that some progress is being made(, albeit far too slowly in my opinion but better that than none!) . I love your blog for so many reasons~ hope you will continue to post as often as is possible for you. Take care. XX
Oh you lucky thing working with the foxes… and how fascinating that they are so quiet and deliberate in their movements. Wow… sounds very awe-inspiring and truly amazing! That first picture is just so stunning – all lovely pictures though.
Poor things though 🙁 and as you know I have had very mangy foxes round here and seen how much they must suffer….:( so sad… but what a wonderful thing to be working with them….:) I look forward to hearing more about them! 🙂 xxx
Oh ….you would just LOVE them. They seem to have so many layers and such depth. They are not at all like I thought they would be, I feel they are as curious about me as I am about them!
Oh yes, your poor foxes, I do hope they are better now after your help. If you see them again there is a national organisation called fox project who will come out and trap them then return them when sorted.Thanks Arose.xxx
Awhh. I would love to see those foxes in the flesh. I like their big bushy tails. It must be hard to keep from stroking them
And what a cheeky ram. 😀 great photos x
You would really enjoy being around them Keggy. It’s SO hard to not touch the little ones, but I bet they would bite…..
That ram is the chief Don on the farm…..beloved by all!xxx
What a splendid post! Foxes tend to get a ‘bad Press’….They’ve always seemed rather diffident to me – from a distance, obviously. They are certainly beautiful animals doing what comes naaturally to wild animals.
No doubt, you will have great fun working with them – once you’ve got used to them. Enjoy! Hugs! xx
It is a shame how foxes are persecuted by some, but where is wildlife supposed to live, they have less land each year. If only we could share our space….
I am really enjoying getting to know their wily ways. Thanks Bushka.xxx
Wonderful….Those beautiful eyes on the first fox….compelling. I am fascinated to read this blog and will look forward to learning a lot more about foxes. You are amazing….and I love the ram….what a handsome little devil!:)xxxx
They do have such beautiful eyes don’t they, like living amber jewels, yes, compelling is the word.
Lol thanks Janet…..I’m enjoying learning about them too, such interesting creatures. That ram is a cutie for sure, his girlfriends love him!xxx
A relative had a vixen and dog (I think that’s what they’re called, correct me if I am wrong) regularly visiting her very urban garden. She used to put masses of food out for grey squirrels because she liked to watch them and so, the foxes benefitted. The pair increased to four, their offspring, and were quite brazen. There was no hiding, just disappearing to another place then returning. Even when the relative was ‘banned’ from feeding squirrels- they caused massive problems- the foxes still appeared, but kept their distance. Like you say, they were watchful and cautious.
What on earth was that ram doing? For all the world, it looks like a ceramic model! It’s a very nice specimen.
🙂
xxx
Yes….spot on re vixen and dog.What an interesting story, I can well imagine it. They seem to have such self-control, everything is done slowly even when they move fast, you can see the intelligence in their eyes…
Oh that ram….sighs….he does whatever he feels like! You should see the handyman trying to get in his shed, that ram aint for moving, he just holds his ground very stoically.xxx
That is a fabulous pic of the ram – so sharp and clear! – and he’s looking at you with such interest!
I didn’t know any of this about foxes. Fascinating.
Lol….that ram is such a character Gilly, you can see him thinking, he seems to have been at the rescue forever and has now taken a fancy to the handyman’s shed!!!
I am enjoying working with foxes, I was all alone with them today, fab it was, just me…and them!xxx
I always did think fox hunting was barbaric but also downright strange. Why all the production over a such a little animal?
I couldn’t agree more Jason, all that fuss and palaver just to hunt and kill a tired little fox with a huge pack of dogs, it’s surprising that it was ever called a sport! Barbaric is a good word for it.xxx
As always an interesting post and terrific photos.
I think that foxes are wonderful creatures and always feel privileged when I see them close to on the plot.. I found one that had died from mange on my plot some years ago and it was a truly pitiful sight.
The last picture of the ram made me smile. xx
Thanks Flighty, I rarely see foxes in the wild so it’s marvelous to see them close up and get to understand their behaviour. Oh….how sad to see one dead of mange, the poor things do suffer so.
That ram….words fail me!xxx
I know we gardeners aren’t supposed to like foxes, they can do so much damage in our gardens, but they’re beautiful creatures. I’d find it very hard not to bond with any animal I was caring for.
It’s a shame but wildlife is being squeezed out, soon they will have nowhere to go. I think they are beautiful too, I’m really surprised how much self control they have. It is hard not bonding with them but if they approach people when released they could get into trouble.xxx
It must be such a privilege working closely with wild creatures like that – you have to feel sorry for them with all their problems but it must be a nice feeling knowing they trust you. My husband had a tame fox called Vicky when he was a young boy.
It’s absolutely fantastic to get so close to wildlife Elaine, you learn so much about them, I’m always surprised at how unique each one is, they all have their own personalities. I hope they do trust me, today’s shift saw a little more action, as if they remembered me. Ahhhh….how lovely that your hubs had Vicky, lots of them are very tame around people, but then I suppose the urban foxes see people all the time.xxx
Maybe the intense start is assessing you and decides you are there to help.
Ah yes….maybe! Today there was a lot of nonchalant yawning and slow eye blinking.xxx
I know you can’t make a pet out of foxes, but they look so utterly trusting in these photos. I do hope they’ll recover their health, poor things. And that cheeky ram with its fancy socks!
They do seem to be very trusting, I had another shift today and began to take note of their ways, sadly the cub with mange died, I think it had just gone too far to be saved.
That ram is a right old character, I’m sure he thinks he’s human.xxx
Oh! I’m so sad about the cub.
It was totally unexpected, poor little thing, it was no trouble at all.xxx