I visited the San Juan Island in Washington State during the first week of June. I've been back home in Tucson for a few weeks now, away from the cool 70° weather, high humidity and greenery of the island. Tucson's weather in June is so different from San Juan's, but the photos help to bring me back to that very cool location.
We saw the young Red Foxes much more than we saw the parents. I caught just a few glimpses of what I believe is the family's Mom. Most of the time she just ran across the road and disappeared in the grass. Once, though, she stopped to rest in the shade of a residential lawn. She has yet to lose her very thick winter coat.
On one occasion, the Fox that I believe to be the father in the family did appear and linger. He was larger than the adult female and was a beautiful black and silver color. It looked as if he was wearing white socks on his two front feet.
The father brought food to the young. What a treat to see!!
I don't think he shared the food immediately with the kits. For a while, he was just hanging around with one of the young red kits. I don't know where he stashed the snake. Although he was yawning, he sure looks intimidating in this shot.
Finally, the red kit sensed that Dad may have brought something special home.
It seems to be sniffing in anticipation.
But then the two walked around a bit, perhaps exploring and perhaps to practice hunting for food.
Excitement builds as dinner is served. There are several species of snakes on the island. I'm not sure but believe this may be some type of common garter snake
The lesson continues.
The Red Kit ran off with its prize and then one of the black Kits appeared.
It seems as if it knew there had been something special that it had missed out on.
"I can smell it on your breath Dad!"
More fox adventures to follow.......
What incredible observations! You were So fortunate to have seen/photoed the interaction between fox pup & dad. When the pup was between dad’s front legs. Rare picture!
On a ‘just before sunrise’ jog in the woods long ago, I surprised a fox that stopped on the path when it saw me, dropped something, & bolted. I went over to the spot. 4-5 mouse carcasses! Just now I’ve realized that the adult was bringing home a meal for its offspring. Cool memory, clarified by your photos. Much obliged!
These are so precious!