Red fox pups (Vulpes vulpes) are born blind, deaf, and completely dependent on their mother, spending the first few weeks nestled safely in a den. As they grow, pups become curious and playful, wrestling with siblings and pouncing on leaves or insects in mock hunting practice. These early games help build the skills needed to survive on their own. They begin to venture outside the den around four weeks old and are usually weaned by eight to ten weeks, but they’ll often stay with their family group through the summer, learning to navigate the world one cautious step at a time. I encountered this pup (also called a kit or cub) in Delaware, along with a few other siblings, alternating between playing and resting while they waited for their mother to return with breakfast. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 200, f/7.1 at 1/400th of a second.
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
Red fox pups (Vulpes vulpes) are born blind, deaf, and completely dependent on their mother, spending the first few weeks nestled safely in a den. As they grow, pups become curious and playful, wrestling with siblings and pouncing on leaves or insects in mock hunting practice. These early games help build the skills needed to survive on their own. They begin to venture outside the den around four weeks old and are usually weaned by eight to ten weeks, but they’ll often stay with their family group through the summer, learning to navigate the world one cautious step at a time. I encountered this pup (also called a kit or cub) in Delaware, along with a few other siblings, alternating between playing and resting while they waited for their mother to return with breakfast. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 200, f/7.1 at 1/400th of a second.
Very sweet wee pup!