This, below, is one of the Foxes that I feed in the mornings here in central Brighton. He, or she, is given a handful of dog food at about 5.30 am every day (after I've had my own breakfast). It's such a beautiful animal, and very healthy looking.
Mostly he/she comes alone, but occasionally brings a friend. I have no idea how many there are living nearby, but Lady M invariably sees a few when she takes Billy for his final evening walk of the day. Billy and the Foxes have an 'understanding'; they just sit and look at each other.
Meanwhile in France we also have Foxes; or at least I know that we have one. Here he/she has triggered the surveillance camera (below), whilst walking across the lawn under the Quince tree.
We don't see many Foxes in France, in fact I was very surprised to see this one. However, we did lose a whole run-full of 15 Chickens to a Fox one night, way back in the late 70's. I took the shotgun out into the woods quite often after that; but no sign.
I do like Foxes, they are beautiful animals. Of course they have to eat, and unfortunately they tend to enjoy the same things that we enjoy, Chicken, Duck, Lamb, etc; so one cannot be complacent.
We have plenty of Wild Boar, Deer and Badgers around the house in France, and it's good to know that we also have Foxes. A good variety of wildlife is a sign that all is well with the world (apart from Putin).
They are beautiful creatures but the best place for them is in towns. It's also for them as here they are shot on sight.
ReplyDeleteThey are far more destructive in the countryside than they are in towns. They do no harm at all here!
DeleteDicey subject whether to feed foxes. I'd say don't. You mention diversity of "wild" life to be welcomed. Indeed. However, by feeding them we make them dependent; hardly wild life any longer even if they do slink off into the night.
ReplyDeleteYou may also consider that leaving scraps in the garden will attract rats. Next, you'll find one in your kitchen. Good luck with that. I don't have anything against rats per se. You can't hold someone's looks against them. However, I do associate rats [and to some extent mice] being bearers of contamination and disease.
U
PS As to your unfortunate mention of Putin: There are far worse and less measured on the world's political stage. As history has taught us: Don't poke the bear. Throw him a carrot instead.
As one of the worst mass-murderers of our time, Putin is not on my Christmas Card list. But it doesn't surprise me that you show him some support.
DeleteWe don't have foxes over here. I suppose they couldn't swim that far.
ReplyDeleteDo you have Snakes? Creatures often hide on boats, rubber dinghies, etc, so maybe one day you'll be lucky enough to have some.
DeleteI am always surprised by how common foxes are in your gardens. Here they are few, invisible, and far away in nature.
ReplyDeleteThere has been an explosion of the Fox urban population. In the countryside they were kept under control by hunting, but since that has been banned they are now being shot or gassed. They seem to know what is going on, and have come to live in towns instead.
DeleteLovely that you've sprung an understanding with this fox. They are beautiful creatures..... as long as they're not eating your chickens.
ReplyDeleteYou have far more wild life in France than we do. Here there are plenty of tortoises, hedgehogs and a few snakes. No more pheasants alas