Foxes In Distress Urgent Advice Please

cathyh · #1 (**permalink**) 13-01-2008, 01:16 AM

Outside Our House In The Middle Of The Road (cul-de-sac) We Have Two Foxes That Seem To Be Attached. Every Now And Then They Yelp But Do Not Seem Able To Move Much. They Are Back To Back And There Seems To Be A Tail Stuck Up ..not The Mating Position I Would Expect From Foxes - Surely? Or Could They Be Caught Up In Wire Or Something?

cathyh · #2 (**permalink**) 13-01-2008, 01:19 AM

....this is now, just looked and they are still there. cant find local tel number for help .....Bristol S. Glos. really worried dont know whst to do.......

cathyh · #3 (**permalink**) 13-01-2008, 01:20 AM

...........Pleaassee is anyone reasing this? i know it is late........

cathyh · #4 (**permalink**) 13-01-2008, 01:44 AM

Update...

...Have just looked out and only now, after about maybe half an hour, they have gone!!

perhaps only out of view, through open garden gate opposite but at least they are no longer in the midde of of the road!

We have regular Fox visitors to our road, they are often seen, at varying times and some locals leave food out.

This evening I have left a dish of cooked Turkey - no bones (being sampled by a cat when I last looked) We have nearby Common land and also cycle track.

I may have panicked over nothing, but please, if anyone can explain this behaviour, DO let me know. I am no expert but can this have been normal mating behaviour?

Hopefuly, all will be quiet now and I can have some sleep!

Cathyh

mystic meg · #5 (**permalink**) 13-01-2008, 02:53 AM

Hi, Just been checking our latest inpatient and thought i would have a quick look at WAB. To put your mind at rest, these 2 foxes were caught in the act of mating. It is perfectly normal for them to stay attached for a while, just like dogs do, and I know it looks very odd, but just think what you have just witnessed, if the vixen takes, this litter of fox cubs will be born very early!

Blackbrook Eye · #6 (**permalink**) 13-01-2008, 03:46 AM

I think it maybe down to the mild weather, but in any case foxes dont mate to a definate callendar. You can rest easy for whats left of the night, as you have just witnessed one of the most natural things in the world, count it as a priveledge, and rest easy in the knowledge that 'im shalah' there will soon be a few more foxes.

Wild-Woman · #7 (**permalink**) 13-01-2008, 06:11 AM

This part is called the 'tie' and lasts for about half an hour. It's a bit dangerous when they get busy in the middle of a road though! I have seen this myself in a country lane where folk had to drive around the foxes.

demicav · #8 (**permalink**) 13-01-2008, 07:55 AM

Foxes do tie after mating. I can understand you being worried though. A similar thing happened with my dogs last year. My bitch was having her first season and my older male was already castrated, thought they would be ok. One day I heard some screaming and they were tied in the back garden, I totally panicked. Anyway my male dog went to stay with relatives untill the season had ended and the bitch is now also neutered.

cathyh · #9 (**permalink**) 13-01-2008, 01:36 PM

Hello Everyone!

Thankyou SoOh much for your replies.
By way of excusing our ignorance,

I will say that we have never even owned a dog, or seen this explained in any urban wildlife TV programme, so are very ignorant of such behaviours.

Although suspecting that this could have been the answer, we were worried that a young neighbour driving home like a lunatic (as they do) might have caused disaster.

Still, after watching them for what seemed like ages, we missed their departure but will have to keep an eye out, as they are resident somewhere nearby and regular visitors to our cul-de-sac. (relieved

)

Cathyh

naturelover · #10 (**permalink**) 13-01-2008, 02:34 PM

hi cathyh welcome to the site,i needent say any more as my buddies have said it all,keep your eyes and camera handy in the spring and get some pictures of the babys you whitnessed being concieved,have fun on the site now your mind is at ease.