Fox

A cunning storybook character and a natural enemy of the pet rabbit, the most widespread of all wild carnivores is now as much a city-dweller as a creature of the countryside. In recent years, the red fox has overtaken the grey wolf to become the most abundant feral dog in the world.

This intelligent and adaptable species can be found all over the UK, in valley bottoms, on mountain tops, by fast-flowing rivers and even along motorway verges. The gradual loss of their natural woodland territory has forced the fox further into our urban environments, where they fare very well by scavenging from dustbins and compost heaps. Although foxes live in social groups, they tend to be solitary animals who hunt alone. You are unlikely to see or hear a fox as it creeps through your garden on the lookout for food. They are nocturnal by nature, very quiet, very careful and extremely adept hunters and scavengers.

Usually one dog (male) and several vixens (female) will share the same territory, which can extend from 25 to 5,000 acres. In the winter, foxes shelter in an underground den called an 'earth'. Earths are easy to dig and there may be several in any one territory. Cubs spend the first few weeks of their lives deep inside the earth, generally being looked after by the male fox who provides food for them and their mother. In the summer, if you are lucky, you may spot an engaging group of fox cubs who have ventured out of the entrance to play.