The fox we wrote about on Sunday came back on Monday. This time it was early enough in the afternoon that I was able to get some better shots. I was also able to catch it doing what we thought it was doing.
Scarfing down the cat food
He came to the cat food bowl and started eating enthusiastically, despite Zeke’s constant barking. And Zeke’s bark is loud. He (she?) ignored me as long as I stood behind the gate on our front walkway.
Look carefully on the pavement just behind the fox’s back legs, under its tail. The concrete is wet. I have noticed wet spots on the driveway after the fox visits before. It appears that the fox is urinating. I wonder if this is normal behavior.
It also poops occasionally near the food. The poop contains hair or fur. This indicates to me that it is getting at least some of its diet from its normal prey.
Retreating quickly
He didn’t leave until it was obvious that I was going to approach him, and then he retreated. But not far.
Waiting to see
I picked up the cat food bowl and went back to the front walkway. He waited a few minutes, then came back. It’s our little dance. I come out, he watches. I approach, he retreats. I retreat, he comes back.
Where did it go?
He checked out where the food had been, and then walked away.
Leah and I have a strong inclination to feed this fox, but we both know better. And, based on his (her) poop, he is getting at least a few mice.
If that fox is urinating like that, it’s probably a female. I think a male would lift a leg (at least according to Wikipedia). You and Leah are having such interesting fox interactions. I can’t imagine how you’ll keep her from eating that outside cat food. She probably thinks you put it out for her! I’m sure she appreciates immensely.
I had pretty much decided it must be a female. And neither of us has any idea of how to keep her from eating the cat food, especially if we keep food out for long periods. I have suggested that we put the food out, let the cats eat, and then remove it, but it will take a while for the cats to get used to not having food out all the time. In the meantime, we are using our dog Zeke as a fox alarm. It works as long as he’s outside on the front walk.
In one of the earlier fox posts I mentioned our mixed feelings about the fox’s visits. They are beautiful animals and we like seeing them up close. But they are also wild animals and we should probably not encourage them to take a human presence so casually. On the other hand, I’ll bet there are some little baby foxes on the way, so mama is probably trying to fatten herself up. I don’t really see any sign of that in the pictures (pregnancy or nursing), but it’s the right time of year. The natural resources web site says breeding season is January to February, and gestation is about 53 days.
I’ve been following the fox story with some interest. She certainly is a foxy looking thing. The photo of her shying away is great. Very handsome!
I see foxes on the road (sometimes alive) nearby so I know they’re here but I’ve only seen one around the house once. Of interest – it was during an early period when we fed the cats outside. That mostly attracted raccoons and opossums, but on one occasion a fox came close.
I think the evidence is overwhelming that this is a food issue. Still, you’re right about the wild animal thing, and I’d also be concerned about the potential for rabies.
I think Leah and I both know what we have to do. I am going to have to start actively chasing the fox(es) away again. I know it’s best for them and us, but I still don’t like it. When I started throwing rocks at them before it seemed to keep them away for a while. I wonder if there are some kits involved that are increasing the need for food.
The other option is trying to figure out a cat feeding station that allows cats in but keeps foxes out. I’m not sure it’s possible.