The Red Fox

The red fox is one of Ireland’s most successful and prolific creatures despite the fox control methods employed by sportsmen and farmers each year. 

Mostly a nocturnal animal, the fox’s territory has expanded well beyond its traditional rural haunts and now includes most of the towns and city suburbs of Ireland.  It raises usually only one litter every year in March or April and the vixen can give birth up to eight cubs. They are small animals, adults standing on average 16 inches (40cm) at the shoulder and measure about 3-4 foot (90-105cm) from nose tip to tail tip with brushes varying in length and thickness. Their average weight varies from 14 -20lbs (6-9kg), vixens weighing less usually. Foxes are known to bark exactly like dogs when warning their cubs of danger. Generally though, the fox's vocalisation is very different from any other canid, having a higher and "dragged out" bark that has the distinct sound of a wild creature.

Hunting foxes with hounds is still a practice of country people in Ireland, sometimes on food but mostly when mounted.  The sight of a pack of foxhounds in full pursuit of the fox, followed closely by the splendidly dressed huntsmen on their horses is an enduring image of the Irish countryside.