The fox cubs of Corstorphine Hill have been charming those lucky enough to encounter them during lockdown. I followed a family of Red Foxes, just a few streets away from my home, over the course of six weeks to produce this short film for the online series ‘Wildlife Scotland’.

It’s late April and we’re in Scotland’s capital – Edinburgh. Streets away from Corstorphine Hill nature reserve one resident has been charmed by her garden visitors. It’s most common to see Foxes in Spring when they are more active during the day. When raising their young, foxes live in small family units, called a ‘leash’ or skulk’ of foxes. The ten fox cubs have spent the last few weeks underground, but now explore the local gardens for the first time. Two females, likely a mother and daughter, have nursed these two litters together since March. The cubs (or kits) will live with their family until about late September when they will leave to hunt independently. The foxes play fight to develop their hunting skills and find their place in the hierarchy. They pounce and play like cats and dogs, each with their own unique personality – with the boldest are seen most frequently during the day.

At night the cubs wait for the returning vixens, they pass the time with the usual – fighting, stalking and balls – until finally, a vixen returns to feed both of the litters. For the first five weeks, the cubs are dependent on milk. Returning with food, she will bury any surplus – when she is allowed. As the fights have turned more serious there have been injuries, but mostly it’s learning and feeding. Every feed is a race to latch on as there often isn’t enough teats to go around, with the cubs signalling for more. By May the eldest cubs have come into their amber coats and unique markings. By June most have become increasingly wary of people and are seen less during the day, all except the most outgoing.

For more of my wildlife videos check out my Scottish wildlife camera operator page

If you’re interested in the natural world please visit Wildlife Academy for more Scottish wildlife videos.

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