LOCKDOWN FORCES LOCAL FOXES TO ADAPT THEIR FEEDING STRATEGIES

                                                                   

Reynard on the hunt for something to eat

LOCKDOWN is forcing  North East Lincolnshire's fox population  to be more resourceful (or cunning) in their feeding activities.

Foxes will east pretty well anything - rabbits, insects, birds, fish, shellfish and much else. 

Analysis of their stomachs has even revealed a partiality for used condoms.

But street food readily discovered  near fast food takeaways is their favourite, all the more so because of its easy and ready-prepared availability.

Discarded chips, partially eaten burgers, pizzas, fried chicken wings or chop suey - they all go down a treat in Reynard’s throat.

That is why foxes are often to be seen scampering - or should that be foxtrotting - in Cleethorpes market place or along Grimsby Road and Freeman Street.

But with many fast food outlets closed during lockdown, the fellows in the red fur coats have been venturing more and more into gardens to dig for worms or forage seed and nuts that have spilled from bird feeders.

Urban foxes only have an average life expectancy of about 18 months, but, in spring, their population surges as cubs are born.

Are foxes to be welcomed or shunned? They prompt a mixed response.

Some people put out food for them while others detest them - especially if they make their breeding dens under garden decking, sheds or similar structures.

Various deterrents are on the market, but when a family of foxes made their home under classrooms, creating an abominable smell, one Birmingham school found only one method guaranteed success.

It was only able to repel the unwelcome guests  by playing, at top volume, tracks by Black Sabbath and other heavy rock bands.

                                                            

The greatest hits album

However, be careful what you wish for. The neighbours may be fond of  foxes - or they may prefer Des O'Connor and  Barry Manilow to Ozzy Osbourne.

And who's to say a passing RSPCA inspector might not take an unsympathetic view?

Another thing to remember - when one species of wildlife moves out, others move  in.

And that could  be mice or  rats.

                                              

The plain fact is that a lot of people don't regard foxes as cute and cuddly