Be Bright-Eyed and Bushy Tailed

Foxes in Canada. I discovered three types of Foxes when doing some research.  There are red foxes, swift foxes and grey foxes in Canada.  Grey fox prefer a deciduous forest habitat so they are only found in southern Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, while the red fox inhabits the prairie mixed grasslands and parklands of Alberta. The swift fox was once abundant in Alberta but populations have declined because of habitat loss.  The swift fox is now considered endangered. 

The red fox is a small dog-like omnivore that is usually reddish in colour.  Some vary in colour from black to greyish-yellow. Their legs and small pointed ears are usually black. The fox has a bushy tail. As omnivores, they eat a diet of small mammals and birds, fruit, insects, eggs and dead animals.

Mating takes place in early spring with four to nine pups being born 51 days later.  Both males and females tend to their young pups called kits that were born in their den. 

The Red Fox tolerate humans and often have their den located in farm yards and under buildings and sheds.  They have adapted to the urban environment and may be seen in backyards and gardens. If a fox approaches you, you need to clap your hands and shout to scare them away. 

Here are some other interesting facts I discovered about foxes.  A group of foxes is called a skulk or leash. Foxes are generally solitary animals.  They hunt on their own rather than with a skulk. A male is called a ‘dog fox’ and a female is called a ‘vixen’.

Foxes have whiskers on their legs and face.  This helps them to navigate. The pupils in their eyes are vertical, like a cat.  This helps them to see well at night. Grey foxes can retract their claws just like cats do. The tip of a red fox’s tail is white.  Swift foxes have a black-tipped tail. Foxes have excellent hearing.

Foxes dig underground dens.  This is where they take care of their kits and hide from predators. Foxes stink. Scent glands at the base of their tails give off a funny ‘musky’ smell.

Here are the sayings on the bookmark I found ‘Advice from a Fox’.

• Rely on your instincts

• Have a playful spirit

• Find a cozy den

• Be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed

• Stop, look and listen

• Be light on your feet

• Have good scents!

These are my thoughts as I read these sayings.

• Rely on your instincts - a natural and intuitive way to do things, what come naturally

• Have a playful spirit - enjoy life and have fun

• Find a cozy den - find a place to feel comfortable 

• Be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed - reminds me of a saying my Mom always said.  Be alert and wide awake, ready to take on a new day or a new challenge

• Stop, look and listen - advice when crossing a railroad track or crossing the street

• Be light on your feet - have a spring in your step - don’t stomp your feet.

• Have good scents! - use common sense when making decisions

Have a great day!  Be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!

# living life abundantly   # published author   # travelling tuesdays