An old female

M

medic joe

Well-known member
I watched this old female rear 5 litters. In a field drive culvert tube. She allowed me to get within 50' feet of her. She always had 5 kits. She lived to be around 7+ years old. Then disappeared one Spring time day.
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medic joe said:
I watched this old female rear 5 litters. In a field drive culvert tube. She allowed me to get within 50' feet of her. She always had 5 kits. She lived to be around 7+ years old. Then disappeared one Spring time day.
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While observing her from the roadway near her. I made numerous sounds. The only sounds that drew her attention. Were high pitched sounds. Otherwise she ignored all of the other sounds I made. I found that behavior most interesting. I spot/stalked many reds & killed quite a few. They also would often dismiss nearby ambient deep based sounds. Un-like the coyotes that pay attention to all sounds. Hunting canine predators was not always about the kill for me. I wanted to learn their behaviors. So I gave many a free pass. As I learned.
 
Thanks for the cool picture. Al Gore's internet says that the average lifespan of a red fox is about 3-7 years, so I'd say that old gal did pretty well.
 
DesertRam said:
Thanks for the cool picture. Al Gore's internet says that the average lifespan of a red fox is about 3-7 years, so I'd say that old gal did pretty well.
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I would agree 3-7 would be typical life spans in the wild. The Reds I killed were in the1-3yr bracket. According to canine tooth wear. From the tooth wear graphs I've seen on estimating age.
 
The above female from what I was told by the neighboring farmer. She denned in the focal area above for 2 yrs. Prior to me being aware of her. I observed her raise 5 litters. So that puts her at least 7yrs old. After her 5th litter. She disappeared the following Spring. I can't say whether she died from her age or another cause.
 
medic joe said:
The above female from what I was told by the neighboring farmer. She denned in the focal area above for 2 yrs. Prior to me being aware of her. I observed her raise 5 litters. So that puts her at least 7yrs old. After her 5th litter. She disappeared the following Spring. I can't say whether she died from her age or another cause.
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What I find interesting about the Red Fox, versus the coyotes or wolves is. The yearlings once old enough, will explore & hunt alone. Unlike the other wild canines. I view their behaviors singular, vs a family group or pack. The only time a yearling when quite young is. Their mother will take a few out exploring, hunting & learning. She as far as I know or have ever witnessed. She does not take her whole litter out hunting exploring. But only takes some of her litter. Those jaunts occur when the kits are around 6 +weeks old. She is the primary teacher of her young. IF...she dies & her kits are weaned(5 weeks old). The male will take over her duties.
 
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