Helpline Volunteer Dream Come True
I can’t say how many times as a helpline volunteer, I received a call from someone who was concerned that a fox had babies under their deck or shed. I believe I convinced many of those callers to leave the family alone and enjoy the cuteness due to my genuine excitement for the lucky caller.
Well, finally MY lucky day arrived. Recently, I opened my bedroom window blinds to see a fox walking near a shed in a neighboring yard. The shed was just on the other side of our fence and I had a perfect view from the window. As I watched to see what she was up to, I was surprised by 5 little kits popping out from under the shed. Needless to say, I spent the next few mornings on total fox watch! My husband even set up a “Fox Cam”, so we would know when they were outside of the den playing and could run to the viewing window!
I got so much joy from watching those little cutie pies tumbling with each other, practicing their adorable little pounces and driving momma fox crazy trying to keep an eye on them. And, after all those times I tried to convince callers that they could walk their dog for a few weeks to not disturb the fox family in their backyard, it was my turn to practice what I preached. So, instead of letting my dog out in our backyard, we grabbed the leash and went for a walk away from the den.
Sadly, after a few days, a neighbor dog on the loose discovered the den. The dog didn’t hurt the kits but it frightened the momma. I watched as she and the papa fox moved their kits one by one to another den. While I am sad that I won’t get to watch the babies grow up, I am grateful for those few days that brought me much joy! Click Fox Kit Video to enjoy the cuteness too!
Fun Facts about Foxes:
- Foxes typically have multiple dens so if one becomes disturbed, they can move their young to a safer place.
- The parents take turns hunting for food and bringing it back to their hungry kits.
- The kits remain in the den for about five weeks and are cared for by both parents throughout the summer.
- Once the young are fully grown and independent, they disperse in the fall, and the family breaks up, with the young foxes often going off on their own.
Written by Pam Fulmer
