Another success in trapping a swift fox! We left before dawn, and came to this guy just as the sun was coming up over the horizon. The offspring of yesterday's fox, this male was a bit feisty until snuggled into the wildlife biologist's lap for collaring, micro-chipping, and blood checks. Again, the whole process takes just a few minutes, and then he is released to run off, likely heading home to mom and his den for the day.
In addition to catching a fox, our traps retained a skunk and porcupine.
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| Swifty! |
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| Preparing supplies |
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| The trap is covered with burlap to keep the fox calm |
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| Getting the bag ready around the door before opening it |
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| Weighing the fox |
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| Closeup |
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| Held securely so he stays calm for the collaring and more |
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| Bounding away after being released |
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| One of many pauses to turn and look back at us |
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| The den |
In addition to catching a fox, our traps retained a skunk and porcupine.
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| Talking to the skunk to calm it and avoid being sprayed |
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| Scampering off away from the trap |
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| This lump is a porcupine! |
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| Thinking about coming back out... |
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| And there he goes, running off in his awkward, uneven manner |