Saturday, May 18, 2013

Wildlife Babies (2013): Red Fox Pups

Things have been pretty busy lately.  End of the semester, field work starting, and so on.  I've got alot to share with you from the last several weeks....but first: something so cute it will make your eyes pop out.

On Thursday, I checked some cameras that students put out at the end of the semester.  They had found a possible Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) den nearby and decided it was a good place to hang the camera.

They were right on the ID for the den inhabitants.

Just about 6 days ago (after several weeks with the camera in-place), this little one showed up.....
 
 
 
This pup showed about at about the right time, based on the breeding phenology of this species in the state. 
 

 


The adults typically pair-up for breeding as early as December.  The main part of the breeding season is January/February.....with parturition occuring sometime in March/April.

In fact, back in February, a colleague of mine snapped these pictures (not far from where the pup above is located).  These show a pair of Reds hanging around a wood pile.  He informed me that closer inspection around the woodpile revealed they were working on cleaning out a nearby den (likely in preparation for the coming babies)....

Photo: P. Jacobs

Photo: P. Jacobs

7 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness that IS adorable! :O What great photos. :)

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  2. Those are all amazing photos! I haven't seen a fox pup in a few years. They sure are darn cute!

    Bill

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  3. Thanks all! It was quite a treat to see these pics on the camera. Also another first for the year: saw my first fawn of the year today while out doing surveys this morning....

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  4. Interesting to see the cute little guy out at all kinds of different times of the day (and night). Great shots.

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  5. Those pics really are a treat. Thanks for sharing them. I'm looking forward to seeing some young fawns!

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  6. Fox kits are just about one of the cutest babies out there. I stumbled upon a den a few years ago and got GREAT pics with a mediocre cam at the time. I'd love to find another den...

    PS- I knew you'd like that otter vid!

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