Red Fox and the Hare

Circle of Life with a Red Fox

(Heads up: The image gallery below may be considered disturbing to some.) On a soft, snowy February afternoon, a quick glance out the window caught my eye—a red blur and a brown blur racing across the yard, from the back of our property toward the side of the house. By the time I was able to reposition myself at another window, the chase was over. The red fox had caught its prey, though not before the hare had put up a fight.

Somewhere between the initial chase and its conclusion, the rabbit had managed to take a sizable chunk out of the fox’s left ear—the source of the blood visible in the final image of the gallery. As I photographed the fox, it seemed to take its time, pausing as if to gather itself. Whether it was reacting to the injury or simply contemplating how to transport such a substantial meal back to its den, I can’t say.

At first, the fox dragged the hare partway down the hill, then sat back on its haunches as if reassessing the situation. It repeated this pattern once more before finally securing a better grip and trotting off toward the prairie and its den. Just before disappearing, the fox stopped briefly and looked directly back at me—a moment I was fortunate enough to capture before it continued on its way.

We were initially concerned about the fox’s injury, but about a month later we saw the same fox successfully catch another hare. While it’s natural to feel sympathy for the prey, this was a clear reminder of nature at work—the fox providing for its young, exactly as it has evolved to do.

A predator built for the hunt

Red foxes are remarkably fast and agile predators, capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. That speed, combined with keen senses and patience, allows them to both capture prey and evade danger when necessary. (Source: Creatures Corner)

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