It would be unusual for anyone to really like a wolf or a coyote, but most everyone likes a fox. Whether it is seen in a zoo or in the wild, a fox looks like an animal that would be nice to pet. But don’t try it, because, like a wolf or a coyote, a fox has sharp teeth and claws.
The average-sized fox is about 30-inches long with a 15-inch bushy tail. It has a pointed muzzle, erect ears and alert, yellow eyes that give it an intelligent appearance, and certainly the fox is a very clever animal. To speak of a person as being “sharp as a fox” is a compliment.
Foxes are found throughout Canada and the United States—particularly in the western parts. There are many varieties, including the red, gray, silver gray, blue and black. The most common is the red fox, named for its thick, velvety coat, which is a beautiful shade of red offset by white on its throat, lower jaw and the tip of its tail.
Foxes live in caves, hollow logs or dens, but most frequently in burrows six to eight feet long and as much as four feet deep with two or three entrances. All but one of these entrances are used only to escape in an emergency. The true entrance will most likely be among tree roots or under large stones. This reminds us of when David was fearful of his enemies and he prayed to the Lord, “Be Thou my strong rock, for a house of defense to save me.” Psalms 31:22Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. (Psalm 31:2). Satan is an enemy to each of us, and David’s prayer can be ours, too. The Lord invites us to turn to Him to be saved, promising, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee.” Psalms 50:1515And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (Psalm 50:15).
In the springtime three or four pups are usually born to the female (vixen) in the burrow or den. When they are about a month old she takes them on trips outside to play and practice hunting. The frisky little ones make the most of this, chasing each other, tossing sticks in the air and playfully wrestling. But the mother sees to it that they learn to hunt as well and to be alert for enemies. Dogs are the enemy that they fear most. When being chased by a pack of dogs, foxes use many sly tricks to throw them off the trail. Usually they can outrun the dogs and in a chase will find time to rest or even get a quick meal for renewed strength.
Foxes are most active at dusk. Farmers get angry when one steals a chicken from the farmyard. However, most agree that foxes do more good than harm, because they eat mice, rats and other rodents that damage crops. They easily climb into a bush or up a leaning tree to take birds and eggs from nests and eat fruit fallen from trees.
As our opening verse indicates they also eat grapes, sometimes spoiling the vines in doing so. The “little foxes” here tell us that many things that look innocent can actually be harmful in our lives. To avoid these the Bible gives the instruction— “Enter not into the path of the wicked.... Avoid it, pass not by it.” Proverbs 4:14,1514Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. (Proverbs 4:14‑15). This is good advice for everyone.
ML-01/15/1984