Foxes

The Fox Calendar

Below gives you an insight into a foxes calendar throughout the year.

Late December/January

Mating season. As mating is their priority, foxes may visit gardens less frequently for food. Foxes are at their most vocal, barking and screeching to attract a mate. Road traffic accidents are relatively common.

February

Female foxes may be pregnant (gestation period 52 days) and will be preparing and selecting a suitable den/earth in which to give birth.

Late March

Female foxes give birth to typically 4 or 5 cubs. They are born deaf and blind and unable to regulate their own temperature, so the mother will stay with them constantly for the first few weeks. The adult male will provide food for her.

Late April

The fox cubs start to appear above ground, around the entrance to the earth. They will be eating solid food provided by the adult foxes.

May/June

There is lots of cub activity, with them spending more time above ground. The adult foxes are still responsible for bringing them food.

July/August

The adult foxes start to focus back on themselves and their own welfare again and leave the cubs to increasingly fend for themselves. The cubs will start to venture further afield but still within their birth territory.

Late September

Adults and cubs are now largely indistinguishable, being of a similar size and having grown their Winter coats. There is competition within the social group and fights are common.

October/November

Cub dispersal season, starting with the male cubs typically. The cubs are completely self-sufficient and some leave to find their own territories, whilst others may remain with the family group. Foxes are very vocal, as adults defend their territories and competition levels are high. Road traffic accidents are common.

December

Breeding season is approaching again. The juvenile foxes reach sexual maturity at 9 or 10 months and the females may breed in their first year. Males typically wait until their second year.

Every animal brought into rescue, brings its own needs and vet bills – and we will only be able to help them all, with your help.

 

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