Since we've been back in Brighton (after last Summer) we have had numerous covert visitors to our French house.
Mostly they are night visitors, but some have come in full daylight.
We have had Foxes (sometimes two together), Badgers, and Roe Deer. But we have yet to see a Wild Boar, a Polecat, or a Pine Marten; all of which are common in the area.
I am very pleased to see the Foxes; we don't normally see any. I shall put some food out for them in the Summer to see if they'll still come whilst we're in residence. I hope they do.
Our wildlife in France is not as plentiful as one might expect. The whole area around us is heavily wooded, and is prefect for all sorts of birds and animals; but hunting is also popular. They do try to keep animal numbers 'manageable', at the same time as taking a few for the table. We all want to preserve our wildlife, but not to let them become TOO MUCH of a pest. I would say that our hunters have got it about right.
The only thing I would suggest to them is that they ban the hunting of both Red Deer and Pheasants for at least five years, to allow the population to re-stock.
In the meantime, Bienvenu M Renard; hopefully we'll see you in Summer.
8 comments:
We should NEVER put out food for foxes not in winter and certainly not in summer. We have not to socialise
with wild animals. Cat food is not what they need. Foxes eat fruits, mice and worms. Keep distance to wildlife and admire all these wonderful animals from far.
Bettina
I know it's probably not the best thing to do, but giving them some decent food occasionally keeps them healthy.
I agree with Bettina, you mustn't put food out for them. It’s best to invite them in to sit at the table for dinner with you every once in a while
If Emilia Fox was sniffing around - looking for food in our garden - I would happily invite her in for a sandwich and a cuppa.
I've tried that, they told me to 'woof off'.
I don't know who she is, but she sounds nice. I shall up the game to a glass of wine!
I feed a selection of local cats, which I refer to as the garden cats. Supposedly feral but they are all a bit too healthy to be homeless. I have only once seen a fox in the 25 years we've lived here, progressive development has seen them off into the countryside. Much to my delight however, I do have a hedgehog who comes along late at night to see to the left-overs, although I usually leave a plate out just for it!
Coppa'saGirl
We used to see Hedgehogs quite often in France, but not for the past few years. I wonder where they went?
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