Fox, Gray Fox

Recently we alerted the public to the fact that there is a serial killer on the loose here at the Red House Garden.  Fairly sure that this serial killer is from the Vole family, we have put out deterrents in the form of castor oil.  While this has slowed the number of plants that have fallen victim to this wily killer, maiming and injury has still occurred. 

Thus, Red House Garden authorities were rather excited when a singular individual showed up who might be able to help.

Meet Gray Fox.

Gray Fox

This individual startled all of us here at the Red House Garden by deciding to perch on top of the garden fence.  Fox was very shy, especially as most of the family was in the screened-in porch at the time,  but came in anyway to inspect the area.

I am a little worried, as Fox seemed to spend the most time looking near the bird feeders, even though our serial killer Vole has not been anywhere near that location...

Fox did not stay long, but hopefully this hunter will return in the evening to catch Vole in the act! (and hopefully leave those bird feeders alone...)

Facts about Gray Foxes:

- Foxes are mostly nocturnal, but they do sometimes come out in daylight hours as they hunt birds and squirrels which are out during the day.  In the spring, foxes might be more often seen in daylight, as they are hunting for food for their babies.

(Of course, if the foxes show signs of rabies, such as aggression, stumbling, or foaming at the mouth, call Animal Control.)

-  Gray foxes can climb trees.  They have been known to sleep or hide in hawk or owl nests.  They will even sometimes raise a litter high up in a hollow tree, though rarely.

- Along with small animals, gray foxes also eat fruit and nuts.

- The Gray Fox is the only native fox here in North Carolina.  (We now also have red foxes here, descended from European foxes that were brought over for hunting.)