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Foxwatch Ireland urges care on
roads
04.03.08
DRIVERS in Inishowen
are being urged to take care on country roads with
the fox cubbing season just two weeks away.
Peter Akokan of Foxwatch Ireland said female foxes
(vixens) are pregnant with cubs at this time of year
and will be foraging for food, particularly at
night.
"This is a vulnerable time of year for the red fox
as they usually give birth around mid-March," said
the Foxwatch Ireland founder. |
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"We would urge caution
around this time of year and from mid-March onwards
because the cubs will then be born and the mothers
will be out looking for food for them. If the mother
is killed, the cubs will be orphaned and will
probably not survive on their own."
Foxwatch Ireland is a sanctuary based in Co.
Roscommon. It |
conducts research on
the habits of the majestic creature and takes in
orphaned cubs and injured vixens and male foxes
(dogs).
Foxes are relatively common in rural areas of
Inishowen and are at risk during the mating season
in January and February, when dead foxes can be seen
lying on the roadside.
"People will recognise the fox as a wily, sly
creature but during the mating season they get very
distracted. The fox is a very sociable creature and
even though a male will have a partner, they will
also go looking for other mating partners. They will
abandon their usual careful habits in their search
for a mate and that's why you will see dead foxes on
the road in January and February."
Peter said most drivers will recognise a fox at
night from their eyes shining brightly in a car's
headlamps. "When you see that, just slow down and
this will give the fox the best chance of staying
out of your way."
He invited anyone in Inishowen with an interest in
foxes to visit his website. You can also order a
small wildlife warning magnet to put on your car, to
alert passing wildlife of an oncoming car. For more,
visit
http://homepage.eircom.net/~foxwatchireland |
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