Fox - is this normal?

WhyMe? · #1 (**permalink**) 19-01-2011, 02:38 PM

I've had a mooch at some of the long threads here on foxes and also at various wildlife sites but can't really get the firm answer I need to stop me worrying......

I live on a relatively large housing estate that is close to woods and a golf course - my house is in the centre of the estate (or residential development if you want to be posh

) and is off a cul de sac with only a foot path in front and then back gardens beyond that.

Over the last few days a fox has appeared (nothing new in itself as we do see them around) - it walks along the footpath and then stops and looks towards my neighbour's house and then kind of cries / yelps and this goes on for a good few minutes. Last night it happened at near midnight and then again at 5am. Occasionally, it does this at dusk as well.

So, now I'm worried that it might be distressed - it is always alone, stops in the same spot on the corner of the footpath and points in the same direction before having a bit of a shout.

Now, I'd be grateful for your opinions and reassurance. I can live with the disturbance but just want to know that it is OK and not in need of help.

Please help educate me - thanks.

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 19-01-2011, 02:44 PM

Its nothing to do with distress, but the time of year. Foxes are highly vocal at this time of year as we are well into their breeding season. What you are seeing/hearing is most likely a vixen in breeding condition. Nothing to worry about, enjoy.

bigdave60dog · #3 (**permalink**) 19-01-2011, 02:52 PM

Middle of Jan? They will be nesting now. Some even with cubs? "Bow-wow-wow is the dog, a scream is the vixen, all calls in between can be either.
Does it have a white tip to it`s tail?
It is calling to another fox or foxes but what it is saying is for you to discover.
Dave

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 19-01-2011, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdave60dog

Middle of Jan? They will be nesting now. Some even with cubs?

Actually mating occurs between (most) December and February so not all will be in a den, it tends to peak in January. Some vixens wont even be gestating yet. Births tend to be between March and May so cubs in January would be very early and would mean they had bred around November.

Wild-Woman · #5 (**permalink**) 19-01-2011, 03:07 PM

Yes absolutely nothing to worry about. Infact, last night after a heck of a din in the back garden from 2 foxes, I watched them boxing, circling and sniffing each other before finally getting down to business on the patio! I let them pro-create in peace.

mbaldw · #6 (**permalink**) 19-01-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Yes absolutely nothing to worry about. Infact, last night after a heck of a din in the back garden from 2 foxes, I watched them boxing, circling and sniffing each other before finally getting down to business on the patio! I let them pro-create in peace.

Lucky you - I've not heard or seen anything this winter

Cheers,
Marc.

mrkaijai · #7 (**permalink**) 19-01-2011, 05:42 PM

No need to worry! It's mating season and they will be screaming for a mate

bigdave60dog · #8 (**permalink**) 21-01-2011, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Actually mating occurs between (most) December and February so not all will be in a den, it tends to peak in January. Some vixens wont even be gestating yet. Births tend to be between March and May so cubs in January would be very early and would mean they had bred around November.

Must depend on area. Foxes in Warwicks mostly had cubs by the middle of Feb. With a 9week gestation period all the big noises at night were in December to early Jan.
I can only speak from experience. The Hunts used to find the same when they were around.
Dave

Dogghound · #9 (**permalink**) 21-01-2011, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdave60dog

Must depend on area. Foxes in Warwicks mostly had cubs by the middle of Feb. With a 9week gestation period all the big noises at night were in December to early Jan.
I can only speak from experience. The Hunts used to find the same when they were around.
Dave

So what your saying is that foxes now have cubs in february? in your first post (which you questioned me for writing almost the same as you have written here) you said they will have cubs now?

If you read my second post below you will find that the breeding season includes december, although births will occur in February most will be between March and May. The fact that biologists such as David Macdonald have written papers/books on fox breeding and it is quite well documented in wider publications, is more reliable than your local hunt.

Regarding differences in breeding timing then yes a wide range of factors are attributed to this with location one of them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Actually mating occurs between (most) December and February so not all will be in a den, it tends to peak in January. Some vixens wont even be gestating yet. Births tend to be between March and May so cubs in January would be very early and would mean they had bred around November.

STYRBJORN · #10 (**permalink**) 21-01-2011, 09:07 PM

I agree with Dogghound about the time. Very late December until Feb is the usual mating period. However, what you have here may be a year-old which has failed to mate. When this happens, a fascinating behaviour sometimes occurs. The virgin vixen may be co-opted by the mated pair. She will help the dog fox hunt while the lactating vixen stays in the earth feeding the cubs; then when the dog moves on, she may stay around and help out for a while. Although she has no genetic investment to protect, her behaviour makes evolutionary sense. She will be a better protector of her own young having practised on those of others.

Whatever may be the case, I don't think you have cause for concern.