European foxes can be found all over Britain. Traditionally thought of as being sly and cunning, they are indeed very clever and adaptable creatures. As a result they are at home in both the city and countryside. Whilst hunted in the past, fox hunting is now banned, but foxes are not welcomed by everyone and still suffer cruelty in some areas.
Foxes are very distinctive, but people are often surprised at just how small they are and the fact that the colour of the fur can vary from deep reddish brown to almost blonde. They have a similar shape to a small dog with characteristic muzzle, pointed ears and bushy tail or ‘brush’.
You are most likely to see foxes at dawn or dusk and you may also hear them howling at night, particularly in the breeding season. They do not hibernate, so can be seen all year round, and in the summer you may be lucky enough to see the cubs playing. Traditionally most foxes lived in rural areas, in a series of underground tunnels known as dens. In recent times urban foxes have become more and more common. This may be due to a lack of food in the countryside and an increasing tendency to scavenge – mostly from rubbish bins and food such as discarded take-away meals. A fox’s territory can range from 2km2 in urban areas to 40km2 in the countryside.
Check out this great little stop motion animation film, made for Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust's Wildlife in the City project, by volunteer Sneha Uplekar. To find out more about Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Wildlife in the City click the link
Running time 1.33 min
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