When do urban cubs emerge from the den? |
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Fox cubs are born in the spring in the breeding den. They are born blind and are fed by the mother. Two weeks later their eyes open and they begin to inspect their surroundings. From then on they can be seen near the den. | |||
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From fluffy grey-brown to smart red suits The cubs are grey-brown at birth. After about four weeks during which they were fed exclusively by the mother their fur begins to turn red. Four weeks after birth the parents, and sometimes uncles and aunts, bring solid food to the den. Growing up fast Fox cubs grow fast. The cubs are weaned after six or seven weeks and venture further and further away from the den and are soon able to accompany the vixen on hunting expeditions. Toys by the den< Adult foxes often bring the cubs things to play with – shoes and gloves seem to be favourites. Various single shoes looking like much-chewed, worn-out toys are often found in the vicinity of a fox den (for more). The fox family moves out Fox families often change their abode after seven or eight weeks. One reason for this could be human disturbance (for more ) , or the den may no longer be big enough and is filthy with the cubs’ droppings. At three or four months the young foxes are independent. Towards autumn some of them leave their parents’ territory and look for one of their own, while others usually females (vixens) stay within their parents’ territory and help raise the new cubs in the following season. Relates questions Fragen Do foxes steal things from the garden? What can I do if foxes are living in my garden? How can I watch foxes? Tracking foxes home | © |