Adventures with Foxes

The Alderleaf Wilderness Tracking Apprenticeship took a trip out to visit an island in Puget Sound to study its unique fauna.  We were most interested in closely observing the red foxes and European rabbits.  We hoped to get at least a distance view of a fox.  But instead, we hit the jackpot and saw a total of 13 different foxes in 1 day!!  It was an incredible opportunity to learn more about these animals natural history first hand.

Here are some of our photographic highlights:

Here the female fox (called a vixen) interacts with a young fox (called a kit).  The kit is begging her for food by licking and poking at her muzzle.

Here is another kit from the same litter.  This one is a smoky blue-gray color.  Red foxes are known to have 4 different possible color morphs: red, cross, silver and black. 

This is a close up of another one of the kits, this one is the runt of the litter.  It was the smallest, and most trusting of the group.  It also was the only one in the litter that showed a coat that had the "cross fox" pattern to it.  That is, a darker line of fur down the back, from the top of the head to the tail, and another line across the shoulders.

This individual was particularly beautiful.  In color, it is intermediate between black and silver.  Notice how easily it balances on this fence post.  Foxes are incredibly agile and light on their feet.

We also observed the European rabbits, including one that was carried in to feed the fox kits.  There was also some time spent observing the life along the seashore.  We were lucky enough to see a river otter foraging and eating fish among the rocks and kelp.

It was a truly amazing to have such an intimate view of wildlife, especially the foxes.

Watch for more updates from Alderleaf soon!