The Secret Life of Foxes

About the Author: Chloe Petrylak is a wildlife writer, editor, and proofreader, who founded her freelance business Chloe May Writes in 2019. Throughout her career, which began at National Geographic Kids in 2012, she has worked for titles such as Animal Planet, BBC Wildlife, and Eco Kids Planet. Chloe shares her knowledge and passion for wildlife on social media, @ChloeMayWrites. As a National Trust member, she is often found exploring her favourite place Shropshire's Attingham Park with her wife and their dog, Louie.Have you ever spotted a fox and wondered where it was going? Or perhaps you want to know what all the commotion was about when they woke you up the other night with their ear-piercing screams? Or maybe you just want to know how you can tell if these elusive mammals have visited your back garden when you weren’t looking?The Secret Life of Foxes contains everything you need to know (and everything you didn’t know that you needed to know!) about these beautiful opportunists. From identifying the various species of fox found around the world to learning about their anatomy and super sharp senses, as well as finding out more about our relationship with them – both past and present – get ready to become a fox expert with every page you turn.The Secret Life of Foxes is for anyone who wants to learn and understand more about the animals we share this fragile planet with – especially the creatures we are able to spot a little closer to home. With useful tips on how to help the foxes near you and lots of other ways in which you can show your support, there’s so much to learn that you won’t want to put this book down for a single second. Cover Booktitle Copyright Contents Foreword By Dr Jane Goodall Acknowledgements Starting with Foxes What’s in a name? What’s in a status? CHAPTER ONE Foxes of the World DEFINING A FOX THE WORLD’S FOXES Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) Fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) Corsac fox (Vulpes corsac) Kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) Bengal fox (Vulpes bengalensis) Cape fox (Vulpes chama) Rüppell’s fox (Vulpes rueppellii) Pale fox (Vulpes pallida) Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrilata) Blanford’s fox (Vulpes cana) CHAPTER TWO The Red Fox’s Anatomy and its Spectacular Senses Anatomy Skeleton Fur coat Face Long limbs Bushy tail Differences between males and females Spectacular Senses Hearing Sight Smell Touch Taste Vocals CHAPTER THREE A Year in the Life of a Red Fox Welcome to the world little one Down in the den A time to learn All grown up Finding the one Preparing for their arrival We are family The circle of life Do red foxes hibernate? CHAPTER FOUR Our Relationship with Red Foxes Comforts of the city Should I fox-proof my garden or encourage them to visit? Becoming the norm in our everyday culture The ‘sport’ that is fox hunting In the name of ‘fashion’ How common are red fox attacks? Fox-loving heroes CHAPTER FIVE What they Leave Behind Tracks Scratch marks Scat Why do dogs love to roll in or eat fox poo? Scent markings Dens Leftovers What about in urban areas? CHAPTER SIX What’s on the Menu? In the early days Out on their own It’s all in the technique Flexible dinner plans Save some for later You can’t outwit a red fox! Their diet isn’t just wild Is it wise to feed a red fox? CHAPTER SEVEN Do Red Foxes have Predators? What eats a red fox? People: a red fox’s biggest threat In sickness and in health What to do if you find a sick or injured red fox But what about a litter of abandoned cubs? Can red foxes be kept as pets? CHAPTER EIGHT Their Importance and Decline Their importance Their decline What’s in place to protect them? How to help bring an end to fox and trail hunting in the UK Get Involved Where are the best places to spot a red fox? Setting up your garden How to capture red foxes on camera Helping to preserve red foxes for future generations Bibliography References Image Credits About the Author Disclaimer Index Back cover Have you ever spotted a fox and wondered where it was going? Or perhaps you want to know what all the commotion was about when they woke you up the other night with their ear-piercing screams? Or maybe you just want to know how you can tell if these elusive mammals have visited your back garden when you weren’t looking? The Secret Life of Foxes contains everything you need to know (and everything you didn’t know that you needed to know!) about these beautiful opportunists. From identifying the various species of fox found around the world to learning about their anatomy and super sharp senses, as well as finding out more about our relationship with them – both past and present – get ready to become a fox expert with every page you turn. The Secret Life of Foxes is for anyone who wants to learn and understand more about the animals we share this fragile planet with – especially the creatures we are able to spot a little closer to home. With useful tips on how to help the foxes near you and lots of other ways in which you can show your support, there’s so much to learn that you won’t want to put this book down for a single second. It will be a well-rounded book like no other currently available on the market that covers all aspects of this mammal's life. No stone will be left unturned.