Comments on: Small fox http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/ by Dave Walker Thu, 23 May 2013 08:03:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Nefertiki http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/comment-page-1/#comment-37395 Nefertiki Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:20:04 +0000 http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/#comment-37395 I am returning to this scientific discussion of the genus vulpes as I have been inspired by Dave to do some very detailed research on Wikipedia. First, although Dave's explanation of why the catlike fox lives under his shed is very imaginative, based on my newfound knowledge it seems unlikely. Still, wildlife living so close to humans may behave oddly. The naturalists say that foxes do not live in dens of any kind unless a mated pair are raising their young, which they do for about five months, then it's parting of the ways for all. What they do when single is sleep curled up in thickets, with their lovely tails curled around them to keep warm. Dave's fox is clearly young, but more than 5 months old. Therefore he must have stubbornly, or nostalgicly remained in the family home, refusing to accept that mum and dad are NOT coming back. His playful, catlike behavior seems to show that this is just a phase, he will grow up to live a vulpine existence (provided he does not have extended exposure to humans). As he is not showing much aberrant behavior you do not have to have him (or her) treated by an animal psychologist for emotional disturbance, in case you were concerned about that. I am returning to this scientific discussion of the genus vulpes as I have been inspired by Dave to do some very detailed research on Wikipedia. First, although Dave’s explanation of why the catlike fox lives under his shed is very imaginative, based on my newfound knowledge it seems unlikely. Still, wildlife living so close to humans may behave oddly.

The naturalists say that foxes do not live in dens of any kind unless a mated pair are raising their young, which they do for about five months, then it’s parting of the ways for all. What they do when single is sleep curled up in thickets, with their lovely tails curled around them to keep warm.

Dave’s fox is clearly young, but more than 5 months old. Therefore he must have stubbornly, or nostalgicly remained in the family home, refusing to accept that mum and dad are NOT coming back. His playful, catlike behavior seems to show that this is just a phase, he will grow up to live a vulpine existence (provided he does not have extended exposure to humans). As he is not showing much aberrant behavior you do not have to have him (or her) treated by an animal psychologist for emotional disturbance, in case you were concerned about that.

]]> By: Karin http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/comment-page-1/#comment-37240 Karin Wed, 26 Jul 2006 07:20:48 +0000 http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/#comment-37240 A fox visits our garden regularly; it's trail is clearly visible. We give it our chicken carcass whenever we have roast chicken. Presumably it lives in the narrow strip of woods opposite. A fox visits our garden regularly; it’s trail is clearly visible. We give it our chicken carcass whenever we have roast chicken. Presumably it lives in the narrow strip of woods opposite.

]]> By: Freedom Bound http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/comment-page-1/#comment-37014 Freedom Bound Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:24:22 +0000 http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/#comment-37014 Funnily enough, some sciency type personage was on the radio last week (and it was radio 4 and therefore true and trustworthy) saying that foxes are more feline than canine.......... Funnily enough, some sciency type personage was on the radio last week (and it was radio 4 and therefore true and trustworthy) saying that foxes are more feline than canine……….

]]> By: Malc http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/comment-page-1/#comment-36946 Malc Tue, 25 Jul 2006 17:27:34 +0000 http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/#comment-36946 Dear Dave I have recently returned to the planet earth, having been abducted by aliens. I was away for what seemed like months but in fact it was only a few of your earth seconds. With my new found freedom, I hopped on my bike to rural Basildon to look for snakes. I met up with an old friend who politely agreed to hold up the boards while I videoed the snakes underneath. What a nice bloke! We saw a grass snake and an adder. Then I went home and had my tea. My friend, who happens to be you, Mr Walker, also went home, but I believe he had already had his tea. We did not see any foxes, though. Malc Dear Dave

I have recently returned to the planet earth, having been abducted by aliens. I was away for what seemed like months but in fact it was only a few of your earth seconds. With my new found freedom, I hopped on my bike to rural Basildon to look for snakes. I met up with an old friend who politely agreed to hold up the boards while I videoed the snakes underneath. What a nice bloke! We saw a grass snake and an adder. Then I went home and had my tea. My friend, who happens to be you, Mr Walker, also went home, but I believe he had already had his tea. We did not see any foxes, though.

Malc

]]> By: Nefertiki http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/comment-page-1/#comment-36920 Nefertiki Tue, 25 Jul 2006 15:19:11 +0000 http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/#comment-36920 I really enjoyed your photo and blog as I like information about wildlife. I think maddie_c is on to something re her observation of the fox's catlike behavior. While dictionaries class the fox as related to the dog, I have an ancient memory of reading that one scientist at least said they were actually closer to feline than canine. That was ages ago so further research is needed online. I've never seen a fox in any of my past backyards but I have had frequent visits from skunks, which I am rather fond of. I recall that when wandering cats would glide across the yard at night and spot a skunk, they would eye each other thoughtfully for a moment, then pointedly ignore each other. Cats are smart. Speaking of cats, have you seen the recent news item (from the U.S.) of "the cat that treed a bear"? The photo is marvellous. If you haven't it can still be viewed here: http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2006/06/10/picture_of_the_4.php I really enjoyed your photo and blog as I like information about wildlife. I think maddie_c is on to something re her observation of the fox’s catlike behavior. While dictionaries class the fox as related to the dog, I have an ancient memory of reading that one scientist at least said they were actually closer to feline than canine. That was ages ago so further research is needed online. I’ve never seen a fox in any of my past backyards but I have had frequent visits from skunks, which I am rather fond of. I recall that when wandering cats would glide across the yard at night and spot a skunk, they would eye each other thoughtfully for a moment, then pointedly ignore each other. Cats are smart.

Speaking of cats, have you seen the recent news item (from the U.S.) of “the cat that treed a bear”? The photo is marvellous. If you haven’t it can still be viewed here:
http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2006/06/10/picture_of_the_4.php

]]> By: Jamie Arpin-Ricci http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/comment-page-1/#comment-36905 Jamie Arpin-Ricci Tue, 25 Jul 2006 14:25:48 +0000 http://www.cartoonchurch.com/blog/2006/07/25/small-fox/#comment-36905 I think foxes are the most beautiful animal. Growing up, friends of ours worked as wildlife wardens, which means we could walk over and play with the orphaned fox they were nursing. Great pic. Peace, Jamie I think foxes are the most beautiful animal. Growing up, friends of ours worked as wildlife wardens, which means we could walk over and play with the orphaned fox they were nursing. Great pic.

Peace,
Jamie

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