The Return Of The Fox Family... We Hope!

Mr. Snooty was doing something out in the garden beyond our yard and saw some activity at the former summer residence of the gray foxes who lived here for many years. We haven't seen any signs of them for almost a year, so this is definitely exciting news, right? Besides, this is the time when they hook up with their mate and impregnate.

Last night was the first night that I've heard the neighborhood dogs bark endlessly, which they only do when foxes are *in the hood* or there is a burglar somewhere near. We are the ONLY home in the immediate neighborhood without a dog. I swear it's true. We're surrounded by barking dogs of all shapes, breeds, and sizes.  Being familiar with most of their *calls of the wild*, I can assure you that their brethren, the foxes, are now into mating season. I've listened to the sounds at night for enough years to know.

Anyhoo, the digging activity in the garden (which was the previous home to many litters of fox pups kits) is indeed an encouraging sign that they might be back for a while. My intention is to not be as intrusive as I've been in the past. I had a long relationship with Felicia and I must realize that our next fox mommy might not be so friendly as Felicia, at the onset. Frankly, I figure that she too, will get used to me, just as Felicia did for many years. That's what I'm hoping for, at least.

Fox Facts:

1. The gray fox is monogamous until a mate dies. I know humans that cannot achieve that status.

2. The gray fox mates in  late January to early February in West Texas.

3. Gray foxes have litters ranging from 1 - 7 kits.

4. Gray foxes have a gestation period of approximately 53 days.

5. It's a myth that foxes attack household pets, unless they are rabid or sick somehow. They don't like noisy victims so they prefer *Squirrel Tartare* and other rodent delicacies.

6. If everything goes according to Mother Nature, then we should have fox pups *in the hood* this Spring. 


Let's keep our fingers crossed and say our prayers that they take up residence again this year....