45
long intervals between showings. Whilst in
view they would either be sitting down,
especially the adult, or exploring the area.
Occasionally on leaving the scene the adult
would half heartedly "rush" the rabbits grazing
nearby - unsuccessfully! At one point the cub
appeared to be holding something in its mouth,
but we were unable to tell if it was food or a
plaything; it was soon discarded.
Towards the end of the evening the adult and
cub were together and indulged in a delightful
display of play-fighting, the cub learning and
developing skills it would need later by
attacking and being rebuffed by the adult.
The cub bit and lunged at the adult who was
remarkably patient for some time - returning
the attacks and chasing the cub. The cub
often adapted the submissive posture as the
adult got the upper hand, or alternatively,
turned over onto its back - also a submissive
posture. Whilst the cub and adult were in
view, a man with a camera came across the field
towards them. He stopped occasionally to take
photographs and looked in our direction several
times. Because of foreshortening, it looked
as though he was standing behind the playing
foxes, but they were totally unaware of him and
he was totally unaware of them.
Eventually the adult lost patience and the game
became a little rougher, the adult then left
the scene, leaving the cub alone for a few
minutes until it then also left. It was now
quite difficult to see as the light had faded,
so the group also took its leave, after what
was a successful and enjoyable evening.
JOHN WRIGHT