Fox Den Research Articles

Epidemiology of sarcoptic mange in a geographically constrained insular red fox population

Background Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by the contagious ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei, capable of suppressing and extirpating wild canid populations. Starting in 2015, we observed a multi-year epizootic of sarcoptic mange affecting a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) population on Fire Island, NY, USA. We explored the ecological factors that contributed to the spread of sarcoptic mange and characterized the epizootic in a landscape where red foxes are geographically constrained.MethodsWe tested for the presence of S. scabiei DNA in skin samples collected from deceased red foxes with lesions visibly consistent with sarcoptic mange disease. We deployed 96–100 remote trail camera stations each year to capture red fox occurrences and used generalized linear mixed-effects models to assess the affects of red fox ecology, human and other wildlife activity, and island geography on the frequency of detecting diseased red foxes. We rated the extent of visual lesions in diseased individuals and mapped the severity and variability of the sarcoptic mange disease.ResultsSkin samples that we analyzed demonstrated 99.8% similarity to S. scabiei sequences in GenBank. Our top-ranked model (weight = 0.94) showed that diseased red foxes were detected more frequently close to roadways, close to territories of other diseased red foxes, away from human shelters, and in areas with more mammal activity. There was no evidence that detection rates in humans and their dogs or distance to the nearest red fox den explained the detection rates of diseased red foxes. Although detected infrequently, we observed the most severe signs of sarcoptic mange at the periphery of residential villages. The spread of visual signs of the disease was approximately 7.3 ha/week in 2015 and 12.1 ha/week in 2017.ConclusionsWe quantified two separate outbreaks of sarcoptic mange disease that occurred > 40 km apart and were separated by a year. Sarcoptic mange revealed an unfettered spread across the red fox population. The transmission of S. scabiei mites in this system was likely driven by red fox behaviors and contact between individuals, in line with previous studies. Sarcoptic mange is likely an important contributor to red fox population dynamics within barrier island systems.Graphical

Garden Range 2: Taungurung rock art rockshelter site reveals 11,000 years of Aboriginal occupation of the Strathbogie Ranges, Central Victoria

This paper provides new insights into the long-term history of Aboriginal use of mountainous Victoria over the past 25,000 years. It presents results of excavations at Garden Range 2 rock art site located on the edge of the Strathbogie Ranges in central Victoria. The excavations were a research collaboration between the Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) and Monash University. Results indicate possible ephemeral visitation by the Old People during the Last Glacial Maximum, clear evidence of occupation over the past 11,000 years, and increased activity since 1600 cal BP. The stone artefact assemblage is dominated by flakes of local quartz. Three igneous flakes from ground-edge axes, dating to after 700 cal BP, are contemporary with a grinding stone showing use-wear and residues from stone axe maintenance. The faunal assemblage is dominated by forest and grassland animals, such as macropod and emu, with mussel shells and fish bones indicating the use of nearby Seven Creeks. The rarity of ochre within sediments precludes insights into the age of rock art paintings on the shelter’s surface. Fossil pollen documents the nineteenth-century European forest clearances, a period when Taungurung people’s use of the site became unsafe. Unburnt fragments of rabbit and sheep bone suggest subsequent use of the site as a fox den. Garden Range 2 illustrates Aboriginal use of mountainous central Victoria during periods of significant environmental changes in the Early Holocene and possibly in the Late Pleistocene. These chronological patterns, including increased activity in the central Victorian uplands during the Late Holocene, match emerging chronological patterns of long-term use of other mountainous regions of southeastern Australia. How sites like Garden Range 2 relate to broader long-term Aboriginal use of more elevated sub-alpine and alpine (snow country) zones of central and eastern Victoria is a question for future archaeological research.

Real-World Experiences of Parkinson's Disease OFF Time and Role of Demographics.

OFF periods are episodes when Parkinson's disease (PD) medications work suboptimally, with symptoms returning and impacting quality of life. We aimed to characterize OFF periods using patient-reported frequency, severity, and duration, as well as determine these characteristics' associations with demographics. A retrospective cohort study using Fox Insight Data Exploration Network (Fox DEN) database was conducted. Eligible patients had PD and were >18 years. The experience of OFF periods was characterized by frequency (number of episodes/day), duration (duration/episode), and severity (impact on activities). Significance level was Bonferroni-corrected for multivariate analyses. From a population of 6,757 persons with PD, 88% were non-Hispanic Whites (mean age: 66 ± 8.8 years); 52.7% were males versus 47.3% females; mean PD duration was 5.7 ± 5.2; and 51% experienced OFF periods. Subsequent analyses were limited to non-Hispanic Whites, as they constituted a large majority of the participants and were the subgroup that had the sample size to derive reliable inferences. The analyses showed that 67% experienced 1-2 episodes/day, 90% experienced >15-minute episodes, and 55% reported slight-mild severity/episode. Lower age was associated with a higher frequency (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.992; P<0.001) and severity (odds ratio [OR]: 0.985; P=0.001) of OFF episodes. Income of <$35,000 was associated with 15.1% more episodes/day (IRR: 1.15, p<0.001) and 66.5% higher odds of a severe episode (OR: 1.66; P<0.001). Females experienced 7.5% more episodes compared to males (IRR: 1.075; P=0.003). Longer PD duration was associated with 1.3% more episodes/day (IRR: 1.013; P<0.001) and 10% higher odds of a severe episode (OR: 1.10; P<0.001). Lower age, income <$35,000, longer PD duration, female gender, and being unemployed are associated with a higher frequency and severity of OFF periods with no associations for duration/episode among non-Hispanic Whites with PD. In time-constrained clinic environments, clinicians should tailor OFF periods management counseling to vulnerable demographic groups to enhance care delivery.(J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2024;11:8-17.).

Free-living mites (Acari) of the Shokalsky Island, off the northern Gyda Peninsula, Kara Sea, High Arctic

The fauna of free-living mites of the Shokalsky Island, off the Gyda Peninsula, Kara Sea, totals at least 81 species belonging to 36 families. The suborder Prostigmata includes 38 species, vs 18 of Oribatida, 17 of Mesostigmata, 5 of Endeostigmata, and 3 of Astigmata. The most species-rich families are Ascidae (9 species), Eupodidae (7), Tarsonemidae (4), and Ceratozetidae (4). However, most genera (77%) are represented by one species only. Among mites identified to the species level, the Holarctic species prevail which show mainly arctic, arctic-montane, and arctic-boreal distribution patterns. The abundance of soil mites varies with 10160–299440 ind./m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, being the maximum in the soil of both dryad tundra and in a polar fox den on a hillock. Prostigmata are the most diverse mite group throughout, but the dominant species include either prostigmatic or endeostigmatic, or oribatid mites. The rare species, Charadracarus hurdi Newell, 1960, hitherto known only from Point Barrow, Alaska, has been found for the first time since its original description. Some features of the acarofauna of the Shokalsky Island are transitional between those characteristics of the polar desert and tundra zones.

Comparison of San Joaquin kit fox den and California ground squirrel burrow attributes

Endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica; SJKF) and California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi; CAGS) occur sympatrically in many locations. CAGS can constitute a nuisance species and control strategies have included lethal measures administered within CAGS burrows. These measures could harm or kill a SJKF if mistakenly applied to an occupied SJKF den. To identify attributes to distinguish between SJKF dens and CAGS burrow, we assessed dimensions, penetration depths by 9.7-cm and 7.5-cm spheres, ejecta patterns, and the presence of various types of sign at 65 dens to which radiocollared SJKF were tracked and at 80 burrows that CAGS were observed to enter. Mean entrance height, width, and circumference all were significantly larger for SJKF den entrances. However, the ranges of values for all dimensions for the CAGS burrows completely encompassed the ranges for the SJKF dens. Penetration depths with the 7.5-cm sphere were similar for SJKF dens and CAGS burrows. The 9.7-cm sphere could not be inserted in over half of CAGS burrows and exceeded 1 m in depth in over half of the SJKF dens. Most SJKF dens had dirt berms but so did over half of the CAGS burrows. SJKF scats, prey remains, CAGS scats, and trash were observed at both SJKF dens and CAGS burrows although at different frequencies. CAGS tracks were only observed at seven CAGS burrows. None of the attributes we assessed provided unequivocal criteria for distinguishing between SJKF dens and CAGS burrows. Also, SJKF occasionally usurp CAGS burrows and CAGS occasionally move into vacant SJKF dens. Therefore, administering lethal control measures within burrows should be avoided as it presents too great a risk to SJKF as well as the many other species that also use CAGS burrows.

Observations of Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus (Schreber, 1775) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) denning behavior in New Hampshire, USA

Dens are important for mammals because they provide protection for dependent young from weather and predators. Gray Foxes Urocyon cinereoargenteus are an understudied mesocarnivore that range across North and Central America, and have limited information available on demographics and denning behaviors. We monitored a Gray Fox den in New Hampshire over the course of three years (2017–2020) to quantify behaviors and document visitation and activity patterns of Gray Foxes and other mammal species. We observed Gray Fox pairs intensively using the den during parts of the first and second years of the study. Across the 949 trap nights over which we monitored the den, use by adult Gray Foxes peaked in spring – coinciding with the pup-rearing season. During this time, the adults were diurnal with peaks in the afternoon, opposed to being crepuscular at other times of the year. We did not observe any puppies during the first breeding season, but during the second year we documented a puppy emerging from the den on 24 May 2018. All excursions by the puppy outside the den for the first five days were restricted to the immediate area near the den entrance and the puppy was always with an adult when outside the den. During the puppy’s second solo excursion, however, we documented a Bobcat Lynx rufus pounce and kill the puppy, after which the adults abandoned the den. We also observed the common (squirrels and rabbits) and uncommon (a bat) prey items brought to the den, and the den being shared among multiple species. Our observations highlight the importance of dens for protecting young, and our observations of visitation and activity patterns, as well as common and uncommon prey, help inform our understanding of the denning behavior of Gray Foxes.

Violet &amp; Jobie in the Wild by Lynne Rae Perkins

Reviewed by: Violet & Jobie in the Wild by Lynne Rae Perkins Kara Forde Perkins, Lynne Rae Violet & Jobie in the Wild; written and illus. Lynne Rae Perkins. Greenwillow, 2022 [240p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780062499691 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780062499714 $9.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 3-5 Mouse siblings Violet and Jobie have made their home in a human house where there is ample food and time to watch the TV show Nature Magnificent, but their peaceful idyll comes to an abrupt end when they're trapped in a cheese-filled shoebox and released into a state park. As Violet and Jobie try to survive in the wild, they make rookie mistakes like sleeping in a fox's den, until they meet an old mouse named Zolian who teaches them survival skills, with cheesy rules like, "A.B.C.: Always Be Careful" and "D.E.F.: Don't Exit the Foliage." When Violet and Jobie settle into their new home, their fates begin to diverge, as sociable Jobie finds a mate and starts a family, while "old soul" Violet grows close to Zolian and must confront his mortality. Despite the book's commonplace premise, the ending is surprising and focuses on Violet's life independent of Jobie or Zolian. Perkins writes with the naiveté of Violet's and Jobie's perspectives and uses descriptive language to paint a picture of new objects in readers' minds before giving them a name. While some of the vocabulary might prove to be a challenge for young readers, the short chapters, straightforward storylines, and intermittent illustrations make this a solid bridge between beginning chapter books and more advanced novels, and the overarching theme of growing up and outgrowing home is perennially relevant for young readers. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Interspecific Killing of Vulpes vulpes (Red Fox) Kits at a Den Site by Canis lupus (Gray Wolf) in Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

Canis lupus (Gray Wolf or Wolf) have killed subordinate canids that scavenge on Wolf-killed prey, but little evidence is available for antagonistic behavior of Wolves toward other canids at interspecific den sites. We investigated clusters of locations from a global positioning system (GPS)collared male Wolf, translocated to Isle Royale National Park, MI, on 23 March 2019. On 17 May 2019, we investigated a GPS cluster of the Wolf and observed 3 Vulpes vulpes (Red Fox) kit carcasses at an excavated Red Fox den site. We report details from this event and evidence for interspecific aggression and implications for Wolf–Red Fox interactions. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported killing of Red Fox kits at their den by a Wolf. Limited reports of interspecific killings by Wolves of Red Foxes suggests this interaction was opportunistic and rare.

Original record of deposited skins of hedgehogs (Erinaceidae) at red fox den

Abstract From 2015 to 2018, a total of 60 dens of red fox Vulpes vulpes have been visited in three sites of southern Tunisia. In this arid habitat, we recorded deposited skins of hedgehogs in front of 34 dens, an uncommon behaviour to our knowledge. These sightings suggest that red fox can be the main predator of hedgehogs in arid zones of North Africa.

Arctic Fox Responses to Tourism Activity

ABSTRACTAs the interest for nature‐based tourism activities increases, it is important to provide evidence‐based guidelines for wildlife‐human interactions to minimize the disturbance caused to wildlife. In Fennoscandia, the endangered arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) is subject to increasing tourism interest and some regions recommend a minimum approach distance of 300 m, but the guidelines have not been scientifically validated. We conducted experimental human approaches towards arctic fox den sites to study activity and behavioral changes in response to the approaching observer. The first arctic foxes hid when approached within 300 m, but many had increased their vigilance already at the start distance of 500 m. At approximately 200 m, the hiding probability increased rapidly at dens disturbed and undisturbed by tourism activities. Arctic foxes at disturbed dens allowed the observer to approach more closely before they increased their vigilance and before they hid compared to foxes at undisturbed dens. We confirm that a minimum distance of 300 m might be sufficient for most arctic foxes to refrain from hiding, but a longer distance would be required to avoid causing any disturbance. We recommend a minimum approach distance of ≥300 m to be implemented in all Fennoscandian regions inhabited by the arctic fox. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.

Do Red Foxes (Vulpes Vulpes) Increase the Detectability of Scent Marks by Selecting Highly Conspicuous Substrates

In mammals, especially those that are nocturnal or crepuscular, chemical marks usually play a significant role as environmental labels. Scent marks in mammals can have many functions, including territorial defense and communication signals in the mating season. Furthermore, animals can increase the detectability of marks by selecting highly conspicuous locations and substrates on which to mark, such as stones and sticks, on or around faeces, other animal carcasses, anthropogenic features, and plants. Human-carnivore interactions can result in a conflict where perceived damage to livelihoods occurs in socio-economically poor areas. In the Shigar Valley, Karakorum Range, Pakistan, subsistence mixed farming is the predominant land use and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are widely persecuted. Understanding the effects of human activity and habitat factors on fox behaviors in the region are lacking. We used line transect surveys aided by a domestic dog (Canis familiaris) to detect fox faeces locations and characterize fox den form 2015-16-17. We encountered 467 fox scats by dog assistance. We tested for associations between scent deposition, and environmental variables including vegetation and substrate type, distribution of livestock carcasses and dung, roads and agricultural land at micro-habitat. We found more fox scats on aromatic plants, shrubs, and on or near livestock feaces and carcasses. Fox scent marking site selection varied for forested and shrub areas relative to open grassland or barren ground and vegetation cover and tree density at the microhabitat scale. The findings suggest that foxes do not avoid human activity per se and anthropogenic benefits (road kill, livestock carrion, crop food sources) may outweigh the costs of persecution. Foxes may also provide ecosystem benefits via seed dispersal, carrion removal and regulation of prey populations.

Holocene amphibians and reptiles from Voroncha (Belarus): Comparative osteology, paleopathology and paleobiogeography

ABSTRACTThe Voroncha site is an accumulation of Holocene small vertebrates, from which numerous amphibian and reptile remains have been recovered continuously over the course of many years. The accumulation has been said to represent a badger or fox den on a gully slope. The latest available collection contains some 11,538 herpetofauna bones suitable for systematic identification. This assemblage includes two caudates (Lissotriton vulgaris and Triturus cristatus), five anurans (Bufo bufo, Pelophylax lessonae, Pelophylax ridibundus, Rana arvalis, and Rana temporaria), one anguid lizard (Anguis fragilis sl), one lacertid lizard (Zootoca vivipara), and two snakes (Natrix natrix and Vipera berus). This paper describes the comparative characteristics of these bones. The considerable quantity of fossils helps to better visualize the identification criteria for the higher taxonomic categories. In addition, the great number of the bones identified at the species level reveals considerable intraspecific variability for some elements. This study complements previous studies by adding L. vulgaris, T. cristatus, B. bufo, P. ridibundus, R. arvalis, Z. vivipara, N. natrix and V. berus to the site’s faunal record. Voroncha represents the first fossil record for caudates in the region of Belarus and the first record for Z. vivipara in the western East European Plain.

Distribution Pattern of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Dens and Spatial Relationships with Sea Turtle Nests, Recreation, and Environmental Characteristics

Although sea turtles are formidable prey as adults, their nests are highly vulnerable to terrestrial predation. Along the Southeastern coast of the United States, a primary predator of sea turtle nests is the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Examining the relationship between fox populations and nest predation is often difficult due to coastal development. Masonboro Island, North Carolina is an undeveloped, natural, 13-km-long barrier island complex that is a component of the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). Masonboro Island consists of beaches, a dune ridge, back barrier flats, an expansive salt marsh, a lagoon, and spoil islands seaward of the Intracoastal Waterway. A field survey, which was conducted each spring from 2009 through 2012, recorded den entrance coordinates based upon recent use by foxes. Sea turtle nests were located using a similar survey methodology, which identifies viable and predated nests as well as false crawls. A series of spatial-temporal pattern analysis techniques were used to identify trends through time. The results indicated that: (1) fox den entrances and predated sea turtle nests were clustered throughout the island (p = 0.01); (2) den entrances in the northern part of the island were closer to the sea turtle nests than other locations on the island; (3) fox den entrances were positively correlated (p = 0.01) with dune height, (4) fox den entrances were located closer to the island boat access sites than expected (p = 0.01). A variety of spatial sensitivity tests were used to test the validity of the statistically significant cluster analyses. A Geographically Weighted Regression model was created to predict the location of fox dens using dune elevation, the distance to predated sea turtle nests, and the distance to boat access sites. The model accounted for 40% of the variance and had a small residual error, which indicates that the independent variables were statistically valid. Results from this project will be used by the NC NERR staff to develop management plans and to further study fox-related impacts on the island. For example, given the higher density of fox den entrances on the northern part of the island, managers may consider targeted wildlife control measures during the sea turtle nesting season to diminish predation.

Interesting records of two small carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Cholevinae) from Hungary

Cholevinus pallidus rufus (Kraatz, 1870), found in a red fox den entrance is reported for the first time from Hungary. Choleva (Choleva) lederiana pilisensis Růžicka et Vavra, 2003, an endemic subspecies from Hungary, is reported from additional localities in Pilis Mts and Buda Hills. With 5 figures.

Structural Characteristics of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) Dens in the Wild in Northeast China and in a Captive Facility in South Korea

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) has a worldwide distribution (Lariviere and Pasitschniak-Arts 1996), which includes most of North America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa (Yu et al. 2012). In the past, red foxes were distributed extensively in Korea, and were considered friendly animals in history and culture (National Park Research Institute 2010). However, since the 1980s, it has been speculated that red foxes may have been driven to extinction due to activities such as the protection of livestock, illegal hunting, rodenticide use, and habitat loss (Won and Smith 1999; Yu et al. 2012).Consequently, the species has been placed on the list of endangered species I (Ministry of the Environment of Korea 2005). After 24 years of believing the red fox was endangered, a red fox carcass was found in Yang-gu Gangwondo, Korea, in 2004. Thus, it was suggested that the red fox might still exist in the wild. Although no other wild red foxes have been seen since, a red fox restoration project was initiated in 2009 through basic investigative research. Many carnivores are currently extinct in Korea, and large carnivores in particular have not been found in the wild for many years (National Institute of Biological Resources 2012). Therefore, the red fox restoration program is very important for the healthy recovery of the forest ecological food chain and the restoration of other carnivorous mammals facing extinction. The Ministry of the Environment has performed genetic analyses on a stuffed domestic museum specimen and samples from northeast Asia in an effort to introduce the same variant of red fox as that identified in Korea. The results of these genetic analyses showed that the Korean red fox was part of the same group of red foxes inhabiting North Korea, northeast China, Russia, and Mongolia (Yu et al. 2012). Therefore, 10 red foxes raised under the red fox restoration project were introduced to Korea from northeast China in 2012. The first step of the red fox restoration project in Korea was to continually monitor the foxes after release in the wild. The red fox uses its den year-round (Lindstrom 1994; Carter and Finn 1999; Tryjanowski et al. 2002; Dell’Arte and Leonardi 2007) for shelter, protection from predators, and to raise its cubs (Macdonald and Reynolds 2004). Thus, an understanding of fox den characteristics is needed for managing and monitoring the released foxes. Fox den characteristics are different depending on the habitat type and environment, as well as the species (Tannerfeldt et al. 2003). Although there are many studies on fox dens (Russell and Scotter 1984; Cotterill 1997; Jackson and Choate 2000; McGee et al. 2006), few studies have focused on the characteristics of red fox dens (Nakazono and Ono 1987; Meia and Weber 1992). Research on red fox dens in northeast Asia is particularly rare, except for the studies by Nakazono and Ono (1987) and Uraguchi and Takahashi (1998), while in Korea, no study has examined red fox dens in natural or captive conditions. Although the red fox is endangered in Korea, making it difficult to study wild red fox den characteristics in this region, we have collected various ecological and structural data on the characteristics of fox dens in large captive facilities in Korea. However, fox den characteristics can vary depending on food availability and the environment (Tannerfeldt et al. 2003). In the artificial facilities in Korea, environmental factors such as soil quality, river system accessibility, and vegetation may be different from the features in a future release area. Therefore, we assume that the structural characteristics of dens used in captivity are different from those used in the wild after release. Thus, the purpose of this study was to understand the structural characteristics of fox dens and to use this information for post-release monitoring. Therefore, to study not only the characteristics and structure of red fox dens in captivity, but also in the wild, we visited northeast China and searched for the dens of wild red foxes, which were identified as belonging to the same genetic group as the foxes managed in Korea.

Understanding ‘The Panty Shanty’: off-campus house signs as cultural texts on gender and sexuality

Students at a large, prestigious, public university in the Midwestern region of the USA have a long-standing tradition of naming their rented houses off campus and communicating those names to the student body through displaying prominent and eye-catching house signs. Examples of signs names and visual characteristics are: ‘Betty Ford Clinic’ (featuring an image of a martini glass); ‘Morning Wood’ (referencing male sexual arousal and depicting a tent with a man's legs sticking out); ‘Time Well Wasted’ (written in pink over a beach scene and a martini glass); ‘Fox Den’ (images of a fox tail and a well-known sorority symbol); ‘Tequila Mockingbird’ (a play on words); and ‘Down on U’ (the sign references a sexual act for a house located on University Avenue). Through a socio-feminist and social constructionist perspective, the researchers use content analysis to explore how these house signs serve as cultural texts on gender and sexuality norms in the American undergraduate college setting. Based on our data, house signs reinforce dominant forms of gender ideologies, including hegemonic masculinity and emphasized femininity, both of which are associated with upholding and promoting institutionalized patriarchy (Connell, R. W., & Messerschmidt, J. W. (2005). Hegemonic masculinity: Rethinking the concept. Gender & Society, 19, 829–859). These house signs are also shown through the data to promote a campus culture of heteronormativity where partying, drinking, and casual sex are standards for social belonging, and where high rates of sexual assault persist. As opposed to viewing house signs as simply manifestations of student wit and harmless humor, the researchers critically evaluate if and how these visual displays serve as a mechanism through which gender and sexuality-related inequalities are perpetuated within a higher education institutional setting. Implications for students and their college campuses are discussed.

Shifts in Fox Den Occupancy in the Greater Prudhoe Bay Area, Alaska

Although shifts in the distribution of red foxes into areas previously dominated by Arctic foxes have been documented over wide areas of the circumpolar North, no such documentation exists yet for the Alaskan Arctic. Fox research in the greater Prudhoe Bay area from the 1970s through the early 1990s focused primarily on Arctic foxes in relation to oil development because red foxes were uncommon. A monitoring program in 2005–12 included annual surveys of 31–48 fox dens within 2 km of the road system. In 2005, 2006, and 2008, Arctic fox dens outnumbered those of red foxes, but from 2010 onward, the reverse was true. There is greater distance between natal dens of Arctic foxes and those of red foxes than between natal dens within each species, suggesting that Arctic foxes avoid red fox denning territories. Of dens in our study that were used by Arctic foxes prior to 2005, 50% have since been occupied by red foxes. Red foxes displaced Arctic foxes from dens closest to oil field camps, pads, and other facilities, and preyed on their pups. Access to anthropogenic food sources probably supports red foxes in the area. Predictions from climate change studies indicate the displacement of Arctic foxes by red foxes will continue in the Alaskan Arctic, although the change may be slower away from areas of human occupation and anthropogenic foods.

Where to deliver baits for deworming urban red foxes for Echinococcus multilocularis control: new protocol for micro-habitat modeling of fox denning requirements.

BackgroundDeworming wild foxes by baiting with the anthelmintic praziquantel is being established as a preventive technique against environmental contamination with Echinococcus multilocularis eggs. Improvement of the cost-benefit performance of baiting treatment is required urgently to raise and maintain the efficacy of deworming. We established a spatial model of den site selection by urban red foxes, the definitive host, to specify the optimal micro-habitats for delivering baits in a new modeling approach modified for urban fox populations.MethodsThe model was established for two cities (Obihiro and Sapporo) in Hokkaido, Japan, in which a sylvatic cycle of E. multilocularis is maintained. The two cities have different degrees of urbanization. The modeling process was designed to detect the best combination of key environmental factors and spatial scale that foxes pay attention to most (here named ‘heeding range’) when they select den sites. All possible models were generated using logistic regression analysis, with “presence” or “absence” of fox den as the objective variable, and nine landscape categories customized for urban environments as predictor variables to detect the best subset of predictors. This procedure was conducted for each of ten sizes of concentric circles from dens and control points to detect the best circle size. Out of all models generated, the most parsimonious model was selected using Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) inspection.ResultsOur models suggest that fox dens in Obihiro are located at the center of a circle with 500 m radius including low percentages of wide roads, narrow roads, and occupied buildings, but high percentages of green covered areas; the dens in Sapporo within 300 m radius with low percentages of wide roads, occupied buildings, but high percentages of riverbeds and green covered areas. The variation of the models suggests the necessity of accumulating models for various types of cities in order to reveal the patterns of the model.ConclusionsOur denning models indicating suitable sites for delivering baits will improve the cost-benefit performance of the campaign. Our modeling protocol is suitable for the urban landscapes, and for extracting the heeding range when they select the den sites.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1756-3305-7-357) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A Case of Fox Den Disease (Pyoderma Fistulans Significa) Mistaken as Crohnʼs Disease: Presidential Poster

A Case of Fox Den Disease (Pyoderma Fistulans Significa) Mistaken as Crohnʼs Disease: Presidential Poster

Prey Indices and Behaviors at a Gray Fox Den in San Mateo County, California

ABSTRACT The gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) is an under-studied species in North America. Here we provide data gathered through observations over 17 d at a gray fox den in San Mateo County, California. We recorded prey indices through direct observation, as well as through indirect observation with photos recorded by motion-triggered cameras. The largest prey was a mule deer fawn, which we determined was killed by a gray fox. This finding is the first record of gray fox predation on mule deer. Lagomorphs and rodents formed the majority of prey items. We also recorded behavior that both contradicted and corroborated previous literature. We observed the male bringing food items to the den, a behavior that previous researchers have disagreed about. We also observed allogrooming between the adult pair, as well as one instance among pups where leg-lifting accompanied by presentation of the genitalia was clearly used as an aggressive dominant behavior rather than a submissive behavior, as reported in previ...