Red Fox - Should I be Concerned?

[polecat]

DON'T U GUYS HAVE PICS!!!WHERE ARE THE CAM'S!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[cowboydoc]

I can believe it happend Tres Crow. Just last night I was out mowing hay. About 11:30 a pack of six coyotes came out within 30 feet of the tractor and mower condition, while it was running! I figured they'd just pass on. But they didn't. I stopped the tractor and opened the door and two of them started running toward the tractor. I know they were probably catching mice that were running out of the hay but they weren't afraid at all. I called my wife to come up the road with the rifle in the truck. They were paying so much attention to me that she got three of them before they did finally leave.

 

[DAP]

Rich, curious, those yotes make us nervous also. Are they a threat to calves or foals or other stock on your place?

 

[JTC]

TresCrows,

Things change when kids are involved.

I've never been concerned for myself, but you can't count on a young'un to have the presence-of-mind to react in the best manor when they might only have a couple of seconds to react to an approaching animal.

I like having it around if it behaves itself but since it's taken up residence in my front yard where we pass within a few yards of the den when we go to the mailbox or the school bus stop or play in the yard, kind of makes it hard to ignore the possibilities (no matter how small).

Jim

 

[cowboydoc]

Things change when kids are involved.


I agree with you there Jim. Adults can easily scare off a smaller animal like a fox or a coyote. But when it comes to little kids they don't scare things as easily. Our calves will many times walk right up to my little girls. But when we go out there they turn tail and head off. Kids just aren't very threatening to an animal.

 

[TresCrows]

The problem we have now is that as animals that were once wild are now forced to live in close proximity with humans they loose their fear of them it seems as well. I doubt the coyotes where attacking you. They probably learned this behavoir--that a running combine/tractor etc would flush out rabbits and mice etc and that is a dinner bell for them. What makes you think they meant you personally harm? Just curious. I have done a lot of research and there are instances where coyotes have attacked humans, rare, but possible. I tend to disbelieve such things but the reports are credible so I believe them /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif. The most interesting to me was that a teenage boy was attacked by three coyotes in a field as he walked from a road back to his PU truck parked in the field. His father nearby had to run them off and still they hung around. As I said, strange things can happen I suppose. There should be a balance in everything, a few coyotes around are part of that balance but if they are killing calves or acting weird then measures might need to be taken. I don't think chasing rabbits and mice falls into that catagory but each must decide for themselves where to draw the line.

The thread about bears does concern me. Coyotes, smy-otes /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif but bears will attack humans. If there was a bear living behind me instead of a couple of coyotes and a fox or two I might get concerned and invite him to leave or assist him in doing so, not nessarily with a projectile however. J

 

[DAP]

Tres ... that was very diplomatically put.

I find the 'Shoot First and Ask Questions Later' thinking a reminder of of why we have to make (and enforce) laws to protect the natural world these days.

Coyotes in particular (I would include Red and Gray wolves but it's too late) seem to attract a lot of disrespect.

I have animals on my hobby farm and I go to great lengths to protect them from the packs of coyotes we hear and see close by.

It only APPEARS that they have an abundance of prey. But they are where they are (or in cowboy's case, were) because they are losing habitat and their prey species are losing habitat - bringing them along. I'd probably also have a lot more rodents, deer ticks and turkey droppings on my lil corner too if they should disappear.

With the coyote's potential for danger to humans and domestic livestock and animals being very real, still I would miss their chilling calls and presence if suddenly they were not there - and consider their absence a tragedy.

There is a way to strike a balance. It takes some effort and time. It's the respectful way and can be win-win for each.

 

[StoneHeartFarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( DON'T U GUYS HAVE PICS!!!WHERE ARE THE CAM'S!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif )</font>

Glad you asked. Took this one Monday in a residential neighborhood on the edge of a smallish town near here. What you see is Mr. Fox carrying a baby bunny snack past the front of someone's house.

Steve

 

[cowboydoc]

I didn't think they were trying to attack me. I did say in my post that I believed that they were just there for the mice. Sorry if it came across that way. To us they are no different than most of the other varmits. We kill probably 20 a month on average. They are about as prevalent around here as sparrows. You either poison them or shoot them. Personally I'd rather have my barn cats and lots of pheasants and quail around than the coyotes. They serve a purpose sure but as of now they are not in any short supply and my cats and the bird population are in short supply. Also when they get in packs like that it's not unusual for them to try and take a calf.

 

[Slamfire]

A couple of those red or gray wolves will keep the coyotes away from your place. Your stock will probably be the price of admission though. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[TresCrows]

Yeah, I did some studying up on coyotes since there was a similar discussion a while back. I had alwys thought they posed no danger, I still think that most of the time that is STILL true but now, however, I stand corrected from my research--they will attack humans and calves and such as that under certain conditions. Bad thing is they know those conditions, we do not therefore my understanding that Cowboy knows best for his property and what is the correct course.
I think a world without animals to share our loneliness with would be a tragedy. Good stewardship of God's gifts to us includes using a measured approach to animal control. In a balance there is a give and take that may on occsasion result in a loss of livestock. I will pay a bit more at the store if that is what it takes to preserve that balance. J

 

[CTyler]

Don't go looking to take pictures of them while limping and snacking on jerky. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[TresCrows]

I wish that little fox would come get these rabbits out of my flower beds. They dig holes all over the place. I could poison them but then it poisons everything that might eat them including the potetial for killing my dogs or the dogs that belong to neighbors or the beautiful owl that lives in a hollow in the cottonwood tree or the big hawk with a nest in the old pine tree on my property corner (5 years in a row)--POISON is BAD and inhumane and a very last resort.
Send that critter on over my way, I got plenty of tasty bunnies for him. J

 

[ljh2]

3crows -
Mmmm... bunnies make Good Eats! Cap a few of 'em and roast 'em up! Good with wild rice and a can of cream-o-mushroom soup.

I agree with you about the poison. I had to use some to get rid of a rat problem for a while in the old, poorly maintained farmhouse we bought, but used it carefully in a contained environment (the cellar). Once the problem was eliminated, I got rid of the poison. Don't like having the stuff around. I don't like the idea of the 'collateral damage'. Definitely could not see using it for an outdoor problem. Just way too risky to other critters.

Now that I have a couple of barn cats, the rodents don't seem to be coming back. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif



JTC - I'd keep an eye on the fox, but I wouldn't be too worried about it. As mentioned before, it probably was interested in the sounds from the scooter or something like that. It probably didn't even notice your daughter. An 8yr old child is WAY too big for a fox to consider prey. I WOULD take an oil can to any squeaky wheels on the toys though. If you observe any aggressive behavior, I would understand eliminating the fox as a last resort. I'm just not so sure that I'd consider what you described as aggressive.

Have fun and enjoy the fox. Hopefully you can get some pics.

 

[SPIKER]

Pretty picture of that fox & rabbit!

as for the poisen, I agree with terscrows any thing that dies form it can be eaten adn kill somethign else... dogs cats birds of prey ect. I ahve a pair of red tails on the property, who like to set and watch me mow waiting for the little critters to skerry out of the way. I did see that tame deer again yesterday, she was up in the front yard! 30 or so feet fomr the house. she is the fawn from last year I think but she knows me well enough to not be affraid. the neighbor was taking photos when I walked around attempting to keep her from going twards the road , she seemed more interested in watching her that ME who was approaching her. she followed me out of the back field where I was mowing!!! I went inside to get the 16 yr old girl of mine to come take a looksee. when I walked around font the neighbor said SMILE and snapped a bunch of photos of the deer & I. lol I'll post some if she provides a copy. I still staied away far enough to not be threating to her but all the same, she just seems to ignor my pressence!? Must know I'm an animal lover, mostly I love them for the good flavor! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif just not fond of deer meat in general the jerky and such is ok though...


still ton's of turkey on my place even though the red tails are back from wintering... those are some mean turkeys though. the brothers begal got cornered in a bush by them! lol, he had to go to her rescue! roflmao.

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Junkman]

here is what happened later...........

 

[higgy]

That must be the monty python rabbit from the search for the holy grail.

lol great pic /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[polecat]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And i'm laffin myao...2 but the real thing i was aaahhhhin bout is finally a CHINK IN 3 CROWS GREEN ARMOR!!!!!!

ALBEIT 4 ME 2 SAY SOMETHING!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
oK TRES CROWS!!!!! HERE IT GOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

First of all i do care bout the natural way of things...and by studying all of yer pic's ever..(as i truly try 2 do everything)
and readin all of yer posts..........YES ...ALLOF'EM!!!
I truly am like a lot of u guys and when in a park like 2 "people watch"!!!!!! and love sittin at wally world and watchin the cenerey 22222222222!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

ain't it funny how we git off track!!!! so ????RABBITS IN YER GARDEN EEEEHHHH????? save everything thats green but those liddl!!!!! pooooor baby wabbits GOTTTAAAA GOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
SO IF IM A SHOOTIN TOOTIN KILLIN MACHINE !!!I'M NOT GRN ENUFF 4U!!!!!(by the way i'm grn with envy on t;hat gorgeous k long rifle u built 100..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifyrs. ago!!!!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

AND 2 THINK THAT WHEN JUNKSTER BEAT ME UP VERBALLY IN MY TBN INFANCY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I THOUGHT HE WAS SERIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!mmmmmmmmm...like my w /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifabbits creole style!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

i'm on 2 u guys now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mr 3birds!!!!.......lemme no!!!!!! i'll git d gators and d wabbits 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! jist gonna use yer fire and pots 2 cookem in tho /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

mark my words !!!!!!!!!!!!!! think i'm gonna b single soon /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif which means !!!!!!!!!!!!am a lineman for !!!!!!!!!ANY COUNTY!!!and will travel for $$$$ and already had 2 offers from way south!!!! jist wanna warn u!!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
beware!!!!!!!!! yankee/redneck possibly workin in yer latitude!!!!!!!and yes i kin cook 2...and right now ju;nksters sayin !!!!!!!!! I SINCERELY HOPE HE COOKS A LOT BETTA DIN HE TIPES!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[TresCrows]

Pole cat, what in the world are you talking about? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. I didn't kill the bunnies, I wrapped them in a towel and deposited them in a nice brush pile out back near a clover patch, all three of the little critters. They were "on their own" size so they will be OK. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
Now, that skunk does have to go. I am done past tired of skunked dogs, skunked wife, skunked neighbors wife and skunked me. I guess I should start a thread, "There is a Polecat in my backyard, should I be concerned." /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif J

 

[polecat]

if it was this polecat u might wanna b but lets see some of the wabbit holes in yer garden!!!!!!! how many times have u had to replannt yer pansies!!!! or do those wascally wabbits eatem all together !!!! sorry jist figgered u for a pansy planter!!!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif