One of the cubs died today

Sad to report that one of the fox cubs died today.

I'd been out all day and discovered it at about 6.30 this evening. The cub was stretched out under the shrubs at the side of the pond, and had obviously been there some hours. There were no obvious signs of injury and although individual identification is difficult, it looks like one of the larger cubs. The coat was in very good condition, and the brush full. I'll need to check out which cubs are still around, but it definitely wasn't 'Skinny'.

At this time of year, with the evenings drawing in somewhat, the cubs will tend to be scattering to new territory so spotting who's around won't necessarily be easy. It was about this time last year that Blondie (our sole regular cub visitor then) disappeared, making only a brief re-appearance one night in September. We'd already noticed a slight change in frequency of visits among this year's cubs. So far, none has shown up this evening, but I expect Skinny – who's the most regular of all of them – to put in an appearance later on.

Not a great day…

Edit: Skinny and a pal showed up later in the evening, looking fine.

cubs_300806032sm

Tags: ,

This Post Has 10 Comments

  1. Dudley

    30 Aug 2006

    🙁

    Cause of death?

  2. Words

    30 Aug 2006

    I've no idea Andy 🙁

    Our local centre thought it was possibly a mis-match with a car (internal injuries) or just one of those unexplained things that happens to young animals, but without an autopsy (which we won't be getting) we can't tell. I've posted on another site I visit to see if I can get some pointers on possible causes.

  3. anonymous

    30 Aug 2006

    Flying Red Fox writes:

    Oh thats so sad, sorry to hear that word :'(

    Hope you gave it a nice funeral, i hope it isnt my favourite one, the one on the steps with the fence in the background in the sunshine?

  4. Words

    30 Aug 2006

    Hi Mark

    Thanks for the thoughts. Yes, it's sad (and it was a bit of a shock) but these things are very much part of nature though, and to be honest we've been very lucky given the number of cubs that have made it this far.

    Skinny and one of the larger cubs put in an appearance about an hour ago, so that cheered me up. it was a relief to see them.

  5. volkuro

    30 Aug 2006

    It's really a sad news but like you said, it's part of nature. 🙁

    At least, the other ones seems in good shape…

    Take care

  6. ALLY_G

    31 Aug 2006

    Sorry, to hear such a sad message.
    But, it is a part of all life on earth.

    By the way:
    your choosed photo looks very appropriate.
    🙁

  7. Tervicz

    31 Aug 2006

    I'm very sorry to hear this? My condolences. What did you do or will you do with the body? Will you bury it?

    It is sad indeed to lose a friend like that. Foxes in the wild live short lives. Most cubs don't make it to maturity. If it makes any difference, Words, maybe you can find relief in the fact that this cub chose your garden as his final resting place. A place where he felt comfortable and safe. You gave him warmth and comfort as you do to the others. It is very human to do so and very admirable. None of us is immortal and each single one of us can die as quick and unexplainable as this cub. Quality of life is even more important than quantity. And quality this cub was given, however brief his life was. You gave each other warmth by simply being there for each other, even at a distance. Take comfort my friend. :worried:

  8. Words

    1 Sep 2006

    Thanks Louis, Elke and Tervicz for your kind thoughts. It's appreciated.

    As you say, it's in the nature of life that these things happen and of the seven cubs that were here originally, this is (I think) only the second one not to make it. Nature doesn't really deal with individuals so I won't get too sentimental. The fox population is still very healthy and I'm sure they are already making fox plans for next year. The cool long nights are bringing a change in behaviour and they're less visible in the day now that the heat of the summer has gone.

    We didn't bury the cub. Our garden has shallow soil with a chalk base so digging deep enough isn't really an option. So I'm afraid it was left to our local council to deal with. Not very dignified I know, but they were very efficient and collected just a few hours after I called. A good service.

    And as you can see from today's post, the others are just fine, and as entertaining as ever!

  9. anonymous

    1 Sep 2006

    Falcon Fox writes:

    Sorry to hear about the cub, My deepest condolences. It's sad, but as has been noted here above, young foxes have the deck stacked against them. At least you've provided a small safe haven for them which gives them a better chance in this cold hard world.

  10. anonymous

    1 Sep 2006

    Wisefox writes:

    What can be said..? I can tell how sorry I am.. but that can't fix the pain.. I can tell you that I understand…. what words can fix a death.. when can only words matter?
    when Words..a person the shares with others about what he sees and what he has learned.
    I know I have learned alot about foxes from you … and I have no doubt that others have as well… all of this is what matters.. this is what makes it all worth it.. with others to share and others to teach… this will help.. if only a bit.

    Your friend
    Wisefox

Comments are closed.

Close Menu