Red fox father and kit, Washington

Red fox father and kit, Washington, USA

There are dads, and then there are great dads, much like the foxy father seen in today's image. Male red foxes are often referred to as tods or dogs, while their female counterparts are known as vixens. The younger generation is affectionately called cubs or kits. Female red foxes need to stay in their dens with their young after giving birth, so males spend their time going out to bring their food. When the pups are a little older, their father takes time to play with them, teaching them survival skills they'll need in later life, like hunting and scavenging. The foxes seen here are melanistic, a condition in animals that results in darker colouring. Whether prowling through urban settings or hunting in the wild, this creature continues to captivate and intrigue those who encounter it.