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I had one of the most amazing wildlife encounters I’ve ever had, which I’ll never forget. One evening on 2nd of September 2018, whilst it was still light, I went for a walk to a local woods called Bourne Valley in Colchester. As I was standing outside the woods on a grass patch next to a hedgerow and some black bin bags, I was startled by a noise just behind me where the bin bags were; bearing in mind that I was right next to them. Therefore, when I turned around, I was astonished to see a wild red fox right in front of me trying to get into the bins, acting like I wasn’t even there. I just couldn’t believe it.
I’ve seen quite a few foxes before, but normally a lot further away, or whilst in a car, and they wouldn’t hang around for long. So this fox encounter was completely different because this fox had no worries about me at all and in fact, we ended up staying together for about an hour, which became one of the best hours.
During that hour, I spent a lot of time trying to make the most of the opportunity by attempting to get some good photos and videos. I thought I may never get the chance again at getting such intimate shots, especially as it was still really light out.
During the hour together, not only was he not scared of me, but he was intrigued by me. Throughout our time together, he kept walking right up to me, literally in touching distance; as seen in the photos and videos. All I did, was follow him as he moved around, crouching and observing him with my phone ready.
They were such amazing moments when he came up to me and it was so tempting to stroke him when he was stood in front of me. I don’t think I’ve ever connected with another wild animal like this before. I’m thinking he may have been quite a young fox, which is why he may have been fearless and was intrigued by me. Also, even though I’ve been calling the fox him, I’m not totally sure of the sex. Normally, a broad head indicates a male, so I’m not too sure.
In the video, you will see that he is eating something, but I never gave him anything, he just found an apple on the ground. It would have been super cute if I could have fed him though. Maybe he was coming up to me in case I did have food to give him.
So during this amazing fox encounter, I thought it was a once in a lifetime experience, however I was totally wrong because I had another similar encounter with the same fox a few months later in the same spot. I really couldn’t believe my luck. So maybe there is hope for more similar interactions in the future too.
Has anyone else had a close up encounter with a fox, or any other animal?
Facts about Red Foxes
- Scientific name: Vulpes vulpes
- The red fox is the largest, most widespread, and most common of the true fox species in the world.
- The female red fox is called a vixen and males are called dogs.
- The fox is the only member of the canine (dog) family found in the UK.
- Red foxes live in an burrow system called an ‘earth’.
- They are omnivorous, feeding on small mammals, carrion, birds, earthworms, frogs, as well as fruit and berries.
- Mostly heard during courtship in winter, vixens produce a sharp, high-pitched screaming sound, which sounds quite alarming.
Find more fox facts here: https://onekindplanet.org/animal/fox-red/
If you like foxes, you may also be interested in the following Amazon products:
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