Foxes. Ain’t they pretty though!
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes), a highly adaptable canid, is as commonly found in rural areas as it is urban areas. Interestingly, not all red foxes are…well, red. The species often produces individuals with other colourings including leucistic and melanistic. Heck, I’ve seen photos of all silver “red” foxes!
In fact, there are 46 distinct subspecies of the red fox. No wonder they look just a little different depending on geographical location.
Since I haven’t been a wildlife photographer for very long, it’s hard to say my quest to photograph them has been long and tortuous. Although, it sure felt like it! lol That is until March 3, 2024 at 4:45 p.m. as I headed out of Algonquin Park and headed home.
My first ever Red Fox!
Algonquin Provincial Park - 03/03-2024
The high adaptability of the red fox is not only evident in urban areas, but cities, suburbs and park lands as well. The photos below are of a fox on Hwy. 60 near a store and cafeteria in Algonquin Park. This fox not only walked along the road like it was a bison (see my previous blog), but it walked around my car and right past me as it looked for the next meal.
I find the red fox fascinating for many reasons. They are truly great hunters, but have no problem eating roadkill or discarded food. Like humans, the red fox can either live in a determined area or range or can be an itinerant wanderer traveling from place to place.
To me, and many others, a fox is more like a cat in many behaviours. Although, they mark their territory while urinating like a dog. Male with a hind leg up, and female squatting.
They can live in family groups with a hierarchy of sorts. Not exactly wolfpack-like though.
They are mostly monogamous and breed once a year, usually in January to February, but as early as December and late as March. And the gestation period is 48-59 days when the female gives birth to four to six kits.
Needless to say, I really like the red fox and have great respect for them. So when I got to see three of them and photograph two back in late November 2024, I was super excited! The photo above and four below are all of the same fox on two seperate days at the same time and location. What an absolute treat!
The fox below was photographed shortly after sunrise out in a meadow. I saw it do what I call “the fox hop” to get a vole, but no photos. Still damned cool to see though!
Since November I’ve been hoping for more red fox sightings, especially in the snow. I’ve followed tracks more times than I can count and have had many close calls, but unfortunately I haven’t been lucky yet.
When I am, you will be the first to know.
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