Being on the doorstep of May, it is a reasonable assumption that cold weather is out of the forecast at least until late October. The higher temperatures bode well for the elimination of heavier garments which retain a comfortable level of body heat during cooler days and nights.
Coats, wool scarves and flannel shirts are being banished to the back of the closet. They will be worn again, but not for six months.
The furry denizens of north Florida’s wild areas are experiencing the same relief from the need for thermal insulation as the mercury rises. Unlike the cold-blooded creatures which hop, crawl and slither, these warm-blooded mammals do not nap during the colder, and occasionally frigid, weeks.
Their activities, which are usually confined to hunting and sleeping, necessitate the additional padding. Fortunately, they are capable of adding layers of heat capturing lining as the daylight hours dwindle.
The occasionally seen native red foxes provide a good example of the seasonal molt, the loss of fur in spring. When seen this time of year they appear scraggly as the excessive fur makes its annual exit from this creature.
Infrequently seen in the day, native red foxes are currently going through their seasonal shedding of winter fur. While looking a bit scruffy now, they will soon be down to their summer coat.
The shedding begins at the feet and works it way up the legs to the main body of the animal. The irregular pattern of the hair removal is sometimes confused with an animal afflicted with mange mites.
The final stages of the seasonal changeover leave patches of winter fur along the backs of foxes. With a distinct color and length difference, the fuzz looks like a bad toupee atop a balding head.
From all indications, the red foxes are oblivious to the comical aspects of this annual transformation. Vulpes vulpes, as this omnivorous predator is scientifically known, is focused on hunting and finding the appropriate mate.
While encountered in the wild, red foxes have adapted well to the urban lifestyle. Stealthy and cunning hunters by nature, the consistent availability of food makes habitation close to humanity a distinct advantage.
Not picky eaters, scavenging garbage and other detritus of people is far simpler in towns and cities. There are also the domestic animals which have had wilderness survival instincts suppressed.
In addition to finding a fox in the hen house, these wild canines will attack any pets or livestock they are likely to subdue with their sharp fangs. While not in packs like their cousins, the wolf and coyote, their attack tactics are similar by going for the throat of their victims.
The local red foxes are the largest of all the fox species. Adults can reach about 20 pounds, but most are between 10 to 15 pounds.
While adapted to the presence of people, foxes are not good candidates for domestication. While there have been some tamed foxes of another species in Russia, the local red foxes will shy away from human contact as quickly as physically possible.
If a fox does not immediately flee upon recognition of a person or acts aggressively, it may indicate another problem. Foxes can contract rabies and transmit the disease, so caution must be used.
For the time being they are just trying to adjust to the rising temperature by shedding unneeded fur, but it will not go to waste.
Nesting birds will use the available material for constructing nests. It is their only contact with a fox that ends well for them.
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