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From autumn onwards foxes lead a solitary life on their territories and will not tolerate others of their own species there. They feed on small rodents but in the forests there are still berries, and apples under the apple trees, appreciated by foxes.

 

They catch small rodents, mostly voles (Microtus) and bank voles (Myodes). The rather short-legged foxes are not very good runners and their hunting strategy consists of silent stalking (they have an exceptional hearing) and a quick final jump – lucky ones alternate with unsuccessful ones. Another important food source is carrion found in the forest; the hoofed game hunting continues. In ASF areas they make away with wild boars that have died from the disease. Foxes will not catch the disease.

 

Small fox

 

Young fox cubs live an independent life from the second half of August. To start with adult animals still tolerate them on their territory, which also was the birth area of the cubs. But in the course of autumn the young animals must find themselves a territory – they discover a completely new world and it is a dangerous time for them. They ramble around at roads to find easy mouthfuls; a driver often sees reflections from the eyes of foxes stalking on the road verge in the dark. An early morning mover on the roads again notices the unlucky young animals that have perished in the night…