Tale of two dogfoxes

[SittingFox]

I've been keeping a blog for some months now of the six (formerly seven) foxes who visit my garden and their exploits. Recently there's been some interesting arguments between the long-established male (whom I refer to as the Old Dogfox) and a youngish intruder, dubbed the Interloper.

A couple of nights back, I got some video footage of the Old Dogfox's reaction upon finding his rival in the garden. No surprise that he's relying on implied threats rather than risky actual attacks, but I didn't really expect him to attack a tree!

He's done this on several occasions when the Interloper is present and it's always the same conifer tree. It obviously means something to the Interloper, too, because one time he sat there watching and uttering a very high-pitched whine. His body language is very submissive but I cannot see that the Old Dogfox will ever tolerate him here. The vixens are fairly indifferent to him.

Here's a portrait photo of the Old Dogfox, which I took a little while back:



And of the Interloper:

[Alan]

Some interesting stuff there - on the movie and on your website! It seemed to me initially the fox was having a good scratch on the tree, before it 'had a go' at the smaller one. Maybe some scent markings of the other fox were there!

[canonman]

Hi
Nice video clip, would like to know if or when the young dog takes over.
Please keep us informed
Mick

[SittingFox]

Originally Posted by canonman

Hi
Nice video clip, would like to know if or when the young dog takes over.
Please keep us informed
Mick

Will do, thanks.

The young one first appeared back in December, when the resident male had mange. But he was blinded in his left eye - not sure how, possibly from a cat - and disappeared. I thought that he was gone for good but, about a fortnight ago, he turned up again like a bolt from the blue. It's curious because the mere fact of being here is something of a challenge on his part, yet his behaviour towards the Old Dogfox is overwhelmingly submissive. I wouldn't be surprised if he partially fathered the dominant vixen's litter, though; she's the only fox who seems relaxed around him.

I'm keeping a close watch on the situation to see how it develops.

[Jonny]

I bet that is great, watching all that going on in your garden..............Jon envious

[Words]

I'm really enjoying visiting your site. You're getting some great night footage which is always fascinating to watch. Looking forward to seeing more, and hearing how your various treatment regimes are proceeding.

[SittingFox]

Thanks Words. It's good news on the ivermectin front - for one of the vixens, anyway...

[Foxe]

Very nice images of the foxes you got there

[Kymba]

I am totally gutted I just adore foxes, use to have a family visit me daily in my last flat. But I cant get on to your Video link ..... When I click on it I just get Error message comming up...

[cherrybee]

Originally Posted by Kymba

I am totally gutted I just adore foxes, use to have a family visit me daily in my last flat. But I cant get on to your Video link ..... When I click on it I just get Error message comming up...

me too says page not found