The kits’ dad was hit and killed by a car, and the mother fox supports the lively litter of 13 all by herself!
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The video shows the ‘kits’, as they are called, lavishing the single mom with love and affection. The little ones are too cute for words, which helps the mother persist on days when she is just a little bit more than weary.
Mother Fox’s Playful Litter
With their vibrant red coats, red foxes are indeed impressive animals. They have intriguing social behaviours. One of these is that they form monogamous pairs.
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This mom was one of a pair before her male partner was killed in an accident. However, she has remained true to her duty as a mother.
Mating season happens during colder weather, so these little ones were more than likely conceived in the winter months.
The timing of this mating is crucial for the survival of the species. By the time the kits are born, there is plenty of food around.
This single mom has had to provide for 13 kits!
Red foxes have a gestation period of around 49 to 58 days. They will produce a single litter each year.
The kits will be weaned around four weeks of age. They will begin eating solid food. They will reach adult size at around six to seven months of age.
Lively Interaction Signifies A Healthy Litter
The young foxes are exceptionally playful. They play around with one another, but also with Mom. This playfulness and liveliness are also evident while they are trying to suckle from their mother.
At one point, Mom has her legs carefully balanced, while they wiggle beneath her. She is clearly resilient!
The creatures usually live for three to four years. Usually, predation and disease are the most common causes of their death, however, human activity also contributes to this.
However, some red foxes have been recorded living up to 14 years
The mother and her kits seem to have a strong bond. One of the ways red foxes bond is through communication. They will do this through whines, barks, and even screams! They also have specific body language and gestures.
Mom Remains Composed While Multiple Pups Suckle
While this mother is raising her kits alone, female foxes are often assisted by other female foxes or a female pup from a previous litter in raising the kits.
The male foxes actively support the litter. Had the male fox been alive, he would have assisted the female in bringing food for the kits.
While foxes appear cat-like, they are members of the dog family. Other members of this same family of species include coyotes and wolves. These species are all successful colonisers in many areas of the world. This mom has her own miniature colony, and she is impressive, showing no signs of buckling under the pressure.
We can only hope she gives herself the same care that she is giving to her kits!