The Red Fox

During the past five months, Eric and I have enjoyed several sightings a Red Fox in the grassy areas around our apartment.  In winter, I saw the fox only at dusk or jogging furtively across the parking lot in the moonlight.  But now that the weather has been warmer (or perhaps because daylight now lasts longer) the fox has made several appearances at mid-day, even coming within a few yards of our front door!  Most exciting of all, Eric discovered a den... and, on more than one occasion, has seen the baby foxes inside!

With such interesting and beautiful animals living close by, I decided to do a bit of research.  Here's what I've discovered:

*Red Foxes are in same family as dogs, coyotes, and wolves.

*They eat mostly small animals (mice, rabbits, ducks) and fruit... although foxes have been known to eat small deer, as well.

*Foxes in urban areas also enjoy trash, dog food, and chickens.

*Red Foxes usually have 4-6 pups in a liter.

*Foxes are usually afraid of humans.  

A fox that shows "friendliness" and approaches humans may be sick with rabies, and the fox should NOT be encouraged to come closer. 

* Lastly, while the term "holt" usually refers to an underwater den (such as those of otters or catfish), it is occasionally used to refer to a fox's den as well.