The foxes have returned to the fairways of the Peterborough Golf and Country Club after an eight to ten week absence. They are resplendent in their developing Fall coats and look fit to take on the coming change of season. We watched one as it stalked some black squirrels that were foraging near the giant oak tree on the first fairway. The fox crept stealthily towards the squirrels, keeping the large trunk of the oak between himself and his potential prey. When he was spotted he ran on a tangent towards a small tree that was adjacent to the oak in an attempt to cut off any squirrels that attempted to flee in its direction. We could see that the fox was still using the large oak to block the sight lines that any of the squirrels might have as they veered towards the smaller tree. When they did see the fox they were now caught out in the open and had to make it back to the oak before the fox could run them down. We thought he had one of the squirrels until it managed to out manoeuvre the fox in a lightning ground chase. He managed to escape by jumping at the last possible moment onto the trunk of the oak. It was a close call for sure and the squirrels showed their anxiety by loudly protesting from the braches above. The fox
Categories: Sightings
Drew Monkman
I am a retired teacher, naturalist and writer with a love for all aspects of the natural world, especially as they relate to seasonal change.