Celebrating National Fox Day: A Closer Look at Our Cunning Red Fox

September 17th marks National Fox Day, a time to celebrate these fascinating and adaptable creatures. Here at the New Forest Wildlife Park, we're lucky to have had a few resident red foxes, as well as our current resident, Copper, and we thought we'd take this opportunity to share some interesting facts about them.

Masters of Adaptation
Red foxes are the most widespread carnivores on Earth, found in a variety of habitats across the globe. They're true survivors, able to quickly adapt to new environments, including those impacted by human presence. Their diet is equally adaptable, consisting of small rodents, birds, eggs, amphibians, and fruit. In urban settings, they're even known to scavenge from bins!

Family Life
Red foxes live in social groups within shared territories. A typical group consists of a male, one or two females, and their cubs. Winter is mating season, followed by a gestation period of seven to eight weeks. The female, called a vixen, will give birth to a litter of 1 to 10 cubs in her den. Both parents play a role in caring for the young. The cubs stay in the den for about five weeks, and by 8 to 10 weeks, they're fully weaned. They reach sexual maturity at around 10 months old.

Foxes in the Wild
While red foxes can live up to 10-12 years in captivity, their lifespan in the wild is sadly much shorter, averaging only around 3 years. They face various threats, including habitat loss, pesticides, poisoned prey, car collisions, and hunting.

Fun Fox Fact
You've probably noticed a fox's bushy tail, or "brush." While all tails help with balance and communication, a fox's brush has a special function: it acts like a warm, furry blanket during cold winters! They often curl up with their noses tucked into their tails for extra warmth.

Our Red Fox Copper
Shanna Dymond, Animal Keeper & Keeper Experience Manager gives us an insight into Coppers antics!

“Copper arrived as a wild rescue in June 2007. He was found in a private airplane hanger and had been struggling to support himself. He joined our other rescue fox Autumn and the keeper team quickly realised he was a very cheeky individual and would often try to steal any cleaning equipment, especially a sponge, from the window cleaning bucket!

We have had many rescue foxes through the years including Digby & Pip, Woody & Jessie, and Slinky, Rusty & Flossie … however none have been as cheeky as Copper. He has chilled out in his older age and can often be found sun bathing on his platform.”  

Visit Us!
Come visit the New Forest Wildlife Park and see if you can spot Copper for yourself!. And don't forget to wish him a Happy National Fox Day on September 17th!

#NationalFoxDay #RedFoxes #WildlifeConservation