Oh the joys 'f parenthood!

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The Gray Fox family that took'p residence here 'twas such a gift. Some folks'd be put off by such, but not I. 'twas the 1st time I've got to see 'em close'p, their interactions not skewed by distance. Learnin' their language 'n what such meant - from warnin' calls to reprimands to their kits if'n they disobeyed. I reckon a lil backstory might be nice fer some folks, so here't goes. Adult males range from 7-11 lbs, females 6-10. Females 're 'kin to the size 'f a grown housecat. The males a medium sized pup. They climb - trees, barns, most anythin' they can. Such 'tis done fer safety, food 'n respite. Freaks folks out they've such ability. I'd no visitors whilst they were here once this tidbit came out. Dunno why?? Foxes don't 'ttack humans... A full grown'n can squeeze through a 4"x4" hole. Meanin' they can easily slip through horse panel fencin', pet doors, etc. Prone to takin' o'er 'bandoned dens 'f other creatures 'n fashionin' to their needs, such can be tunneled out 'p to 75' 'nderground with various chambers to store food, move those kits 'round. Once a chamber 'tis soiled, they move 'em. They're solitary 'til matin' season, which happens 'round February'n March. Gestation 'tis 51 days 'n they've 3-7 kits per litter. Both parents've crucial roles'n parenthood. Kits leave 'bout October, to go out'n their own. These lil darlin's 're quick! Can reach 28mph fer short spurts. Seriously, one sec they're 30ft 'way, the next they're a 100 yds 'p a tree. Poppa teaches 'em life skills like pouncin' fer prey. 'tis adorable to watch when they're wee. I felt their triumph 's they mastered such techniques. The parents'll hide goodies, diggin' shallow holes to place apples, small mammals fer the kits to find. Ya aint lived 'til ya see the 1st time one finds said goody. Will prance with back arched, tail'n head high whilst prancin' 'round. Like all young'uns, seekin' 'ttention from parents 'n waitin' fer that reward from 'ccomplishment. This's a pic 'f the vixen (female) 'n one 'f the kits partakin' a drink from the bird bath.