We are big fans here at Rockingham Forest Park of our fantastic fur-coated friends.
Foxes are one of the most well known wild animals in the UK and are native to Britain. There are 37 species, but only 12 belong to the genus “vulpes” or “true foxes”. The best known of them are: Red Fox, Arctic Fox, Kit Fox, Fennec Fox and the Gray Fox.
Our furry friends have reddish-brownish fur, white chest and a bushy, white-tipped tail called a brush. They have large triangular ears and with these they listen, with their exceptional hearing, to rodents scurrying about. Foxes like to hunt alone instead of in packs like other types of Canines and specialise in catching small prey including rodents, insects and worms.
Foxes are generally smaller than other members of the family Canidae such as wolves, Jackals and domestic dogs. Their preferred habitats are mixed landscapes, but they live in environments ranging from Arctic tundra to arid desert. Red foxes adapt very well to human presence, thriving in areas with farmland and woods.
Here is a sneak peak of one of our handsome friends taking in the sights of Rockingham Forest’s ancient woodland, caught on our motion sensor camera.
The fox diet changes based on what is available, they are opportunistic predators and scavengers. Foxes will eat plant material with fruits (especially berries) being important components of their autumn diet. Blackberries are much favoured, but they do also like the odd jam sandwich, yum!
4 Fun Fact’s
- A male fox is called a “Dog Fox”, females are “Vixens” and babies are “Cubs” or “Pups”.
- A fox is a mammal, and they live in dens in the ground or old trees.
- One female fox is the boss, she is the only one in her area that has babies.
- They can live up to 14 years of age.
Foxes are typically shy and will usually retreat near humans. It is not uncommon however, to see a fox where they feel secure or in areas close to cover. Foxes try to be active when humans are not and although are primarily nocturnal can be seen during the day if you are lucky.
We love getting night-time visits from these majestic friends here at the Park and it is always a treat when we manage to catch their elegance on film. Let us know if you spot any during your stay with us.