How the fox hunts: what tricks does it resort to

How does a fox hunt? – for sure, many people have been interested in this question since childhood. After all, we are accustomed to perceive this animal thanks to fairy tales as a cunning, agile creature that always achieves what it wants. But what about in real life? What helps foxes to acquire prey, and what exactly does the hunting process look like?

What is the diet of the fox

For it’s worth starting to figure out who the fox hunts:

• Hares – things are not easy with this menu item. Of course, the fox loves hare very much, in this regard, fairy tales did not deceive us. However, you should remember how fast the hare runs! It develops a speed of at least 60 km / h. Some foxes – for example, the common fox – are only able to develop up to 50 km / h. But the gray fox is already able to take a run up to 68 km / h. In a word, a lot depends on the breed of the fox and on whether it will be able to catch eared prey by surprise. And to do this is no easier than to catch up with her! Therefore, some foxes completely refuse hare, although, if their strength were equal to the object of the hunt, they would gladly eat it.
• Rodents – but with them things are much easier. According to studies, approximately 80-85% of the diet of foxes falls on this particular prey. In particular, the mouse fox is of interest. But it is naive to believe that one or two mice will be enough to saturate the fox. In fact, she will have to get at least a couple of dozen mice in a day in order to really feel full. To do this, the feeding area must be, according to the calculations of all the same researchers, at least 10 km in diameter. But chanterelles are still workaholics! Muskrats, lemmings are also suitable.
• Birds – for example, chickens, if the fox lives next to human habitation. As for the wildlife, the animal will gladly eat partridges, capercaillie, geese. If a chanterelle comes across someone’s nest, she will not refuse eggs.
• Insects are a great treat for the summer period, which can make up for the lack of other food. Bugs, worms, grasshoppers – the fox will not miss all this if such an opportunity presents itself.
• Fish – if the fox lives near the river, he will not miss the opportunity to feast on it. Moreover, these animals make really master anglers!

Fox hunting mode

Separately talk about what time foxes prefer to hunt:

• Much depends on where exactly hunting. If it is relatively calm, fox can, as experts say, “mouse” at any time. That is, when she is most comfortable when especially really want to enjoy.
• If the fox feels that it is in this area may be stalked, she’s more likely to choose morning or evening hours. Moreover, probably early morning or late evening turning into night. В this time is much easier to ignore those who may be dangerous. And besides, during the hot hours of the day much more comfortable to rest!
• But Of course, much depends on how abundant is the chosen area feed. If there is a lot of food, the fox can afford to hunt less often. But if, on the contrary, it is not enough go hunting more often.
• Wet weather, sense of danger – good for the fox reasons to once again sit in burrow. in winter during the first snowfall young individuals also prefer not to get out to hunt, and sit out in a secluded shelter. But the chanterelles are older and more experienced, more likely to prefer hunt. If there is no frost temperatures around -30 and below, of course same.
• View you also need what kind of diet the fox has in honor – it plays an important role. So, a large gerbil that is much loved feast on desert chanterelles – diurnal rodent. That is, to catch him, the predator will have to get out to fish in the daytime.
• Also can play a role, so to speak, family fox position. If she is parent, then go hunting happens more often. Including during the day.

How the fox hunts: to what she resorts to tricks

So, what tricks does the fox resort to during the hunt, what helps her in this?

• Speaking about how a fox hunts, it should be noted the qualities due to which it achieves good results in hunting. This is cunning, dexterity, speed, memory, diligence. Of course, such skills do not appear overnight, but are trained for years. They are taught by their parents, and each individual forms its own experience, which it constantly improves. Therefore, it is not in vain that they say that foxes are smart animals, because without quick wits they would not have been able to hunt effectively. This is especially true for winter time, during which you have to make especially a lot of effort.
• Fox ears are real locators! They are able to catch the movement of the mouse, which is under a layer of snow or earth. And even under a fairly impressive layer. Chanterelle always tries to rely on her hearing, not ignoring even the slightest sounds. Her sense of smell is just as great. Her vision is also sharp, and even for night time. In a word, thanks to well-developed sense organs, hunting is successful in most cases.
• As soon as a signal is detected that the prey is nearby, the fox immediately slows down. She begins to sneak, carefully controlling her every move.
• The technique of diving into the snow should be given especially close attention, as it often results in good catches. In preparation for the jump, the fox rises on its hind legs. Then, after waiting for the perfect moment, she sharply brings the front and dives like a swimmer.
• Intelligence is an indispensable part of hunting. The fox is a cautious animal, and will always prefer to explore the area first. Barely smelling signs of prey, she can leave, but then return at a more convenient time. This animal remembers the area perfectly, therefore it is not difficult for him to return.
• Often the fox begins to behave like a hound. She is reckless, and with pleasure pursues prey, even for the sake of a game moment. Perhaps not always the fox can compete in speed with prey, but it will stubbornly and long pursue it. Sometimes the prey gets so tired that it gives up, so this hunting technique can be considered successful.
• The fox loves to be cunning, pretending that the prey does not interest her at all. For example, she often does the same with black grouse, which gather in an open meadow. Walking as if by chance and passing near the birds, the fox suddenly makes a lunge – and now the prey is already in its teeth!

All, who at least once happened personally watch the fox hunt, together note that this is a fascinating spectacle. The fox is a real ace in the hunt, let it fail sometimes. That’s why we can say that her image, formed in folklore, exactly matches of reality.