One of the sites I follow on Facebook is Wild for Wildlife and Nature, which posts pictures numerous times a day. So many of the images are wonderful but I've noticed a trend recently that got me thinking. I've only saved a couple of images but a majority of them recently have been foxes. I'm drawn to the images of this shy elusive creature and I'm not sure why. Of course they are cute but so are many other animals. Why this creature?
A fox and a cat who've become inseparable friends
I've see them twice. The first was almost 15 years ago. I was waiting in my car at work to be let into the building. It was 5 in the morning. As I sat there, half drowsing I saw a blur through the windshield. I looked up to see a red fox darting across my path along a major road. I remember being thrilled. The second was just a couple months ago. Jeff and I were driving home when one came loping through the dark past us into the woods. Two fleeting glimpses in a lifetime of a magical animal.
So I read up a bit on the symbology of the fox. Foxes are crafty but aloof creatures. They are good at eluding people and predators. They are crafty at finding their way out of traps. Most of the totem pages say that they show the way through difficult confusing situations to places of simplicity. When I read that, a lightbulb came on. Work has been a difficult place recently. The politics are intense and often changable. And I'm not a good player. I find myself longing for a way to escape them, or at least navigate them. And suddenly I'm back to the fox.
The man rescued the fox when it was a kit and raised it by hand.
Now I'm not a huge believer in totems or animals as symbols but it seems strange that I'm suddenly fascinated by foxes right now rather than before. I'm reading up on their calls (creepy sounding). I'm paying attention to their hunting habits and their family structure. I'm enraptured with them. I don't know if it has to do with my work politics or if I've just moved on to a new animal to learn about. Whatever it is, I couldn't help but share these pictures.
3 comments:
We have foxes in our neighborhood. I see one every now and then, trotting across lawns, always when I'm inside. I suspect they steer clear when anyone is out. Beautiful things.
And they help tremendously with rabbit management. The rabbits were devouring everything until the foxes showed up.
That has to be so incredible Keith. If you ever get a picture, please send it to me. Although I know how tricky they are about being seen. They are so beautiful.
And I'm glad to hear that they aren't just pretty but dealing with your rabbit problem. Now if only they would eat the mice that keep coming around my place. Can you send yours down my way? :-)
Get your own foxes, lady.
Post a Comment