Checking out the works at Stateline

Mr. Fox has been checking out the goings on at Stateline Woods Preserve recently.   Check out the photographs that were taken by our Land Manager while he was out doing some invasive clearing the other day. 

Some fun facts about the red fox:

There are 21 species of Fox, and the Red Fox is the largest.  They hunt alone as adults.  They have an amazing sense of hearing, which allows them to track their prey through underground burrows, thick grass, or deep snow.   It is rather quite amusing to watch a fox hunt in the deep snow.  They will look as though they are stalking along, and then jump straight up in the air, and pounce on some poor unsuspecting critter hanging out in his home.  The first fox kits should be popping up any day now, as mating begins as early as January, and the fox has a 51 day gestation period so typically the cubs are born between late February and mid April. 

If you have never had the experience of watching fox kits hang out around their den.  You really have to attempt to spend some time near a fox den.  If you have a few hours to spare, and a great camera--stake out an area far enough away from a den that you will not disturb anyone, and then sit back and enjoy the show.  This might be the best TV you will watch all year--unless the season finale of Downton is a really kicker!!