All things considered it would seem that the fox is less of a problem to land owners than was formerly the case.

A study of new facts are revealing what an attractive animal it can be.

Security of poultry is much more efficient than it was in days of old, and evidence also suggests that although foxes kill lambs they are much more likely to eat those which are still born.

Nevertheless we must all have sympathy with any farmer who has a rogue fox around his land. He has to take action in this case.

During the winter dog foxes and vixens construct often quite snug underground earths. They normally have several sites and move from one to another. They do not hibernate and their life cycle begins in January.

The gestation period is around 53 days and 4 or 5 cubs are produced in each litter.

As she approaches the time to give birth the female scrapes away at several possible sites prior to making her final selection and she digs a den with four or five entrances and with connecting tunnels.

She may then remain with her cubs for as long as a week and it is here that they dog fox has a vital role to play.

He brings the vixen food and he has only one mate but there is no evidence to show that along with the dog fox and the dominant vixen are several non-breeding families which undertake the role of aunties.

These barren families have been observed carrying food, as well as grooming and playing with the cubs. Perhaps we should now look upon the family life of the fox in a more friendly light!

The more I read about and study the behaviour of the fox the more fascinating the animal becomes!