A Red Fox (Image by Google)
We are all accustomed with the classical image of the fox: a witty, trickster and very intelligent animal. For some reason, I always assumed that that made them lonesome creatures, always roaming around by themselves - except on the mating period -, chasing chickens and other prey.
Turns out that foxes are pretty social animals - although they always hunt alone -, and some live in packs that usually include one dominant male and up to five females. The young males emigrate. Instead of breeding, young female foxes can help to feed the weaned pups and to protect them against predators such as wolves. The exact effects of that kind of help in raising youngsters is not clear yet. However, in some areas only one couple lives and they protect that territory against other foxes and predators. But in both cases, once the puppies are old enough to hunt for themselves, the family splits and everyone goes their own way. Independent little thingies!
Turns out that foxes are pretty social animals - although they always hunt alone -, and some live in packs that usually include one dominant male and up to five females. The young males emigrate. Instead of breeding, young female foxes can help to feed the weaned pups and to protect them against predators such as wolves. The exact effects of that kind of help in raising youngsters is not clear yet. However, in some areas only one couple lives and they protect that territory against other foxes and predators. But in both cases, once the puppies are old enough to hunt for themselves, the family splits and everyone goes their own way. Independent little thingies!
~Ally
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