This is the last of the fox kits to leave home. Mom and his two siblings left from one day to the next, but he stayed on for about two weeks. Now he, too, has struck out into the world.
The kits are born in early spring, and nursed for only about 6-7 weeks. Then they start eating the solid food the mom brings them. By the age of 3–4 months, the kits are long-legged, narrow-chested and sinewy. They reach adult proportions at 6–7 months.
We were able to watch the three kits play for hours when they were young, unless mom came out to call them back to the den. At about 10 weeks of age they become increasingly fearful of humans. They're most active at dusk and dawn, making picture-taking a challenge in the low light.
Foxes are generally solitary hunters, foraging alone in the summer. In general, each fox claims its own territory and pairs up only in winter. Territories may be as large as 19 square miles; however, in habitats with abundant food (like here), ranges are much smaller, about 4-5 square miles.
Come back any time, kids. It was great to see you.
