Recently I had two foxes that were hanging around the house. It appears that they had reclaimed an old den that was on the hillside. Linda and I were hoping they would take up residence and have some kits in the spring. The two of them hung around for about three weeks coming and going at different times. But I guess it wasn't meant to be because they haven't been around for over a week. Something must have made them change their minds. It could have been the fact that I have a dog that barked at them. Which initially didn't seem to bother them. The snow is so deep he gets discouraged quickly and turns back and never got close to the den.

The one thing I found interesting in their brief stay was that they slept on top of the snow by the den entrance. Which is not the best place considering in the few weeks they were here it was down below zero the majority of the time and the wind was blowing. They would just curl up in a ball whether it was snowing or sunny and just sleep. I would have thought they would go down into the den to get out of the wind.

At the time I took the picture that I have posted, it was -9 below zero. I kept taking a few shots and then getting my hands in heavier gloves to get them warm again. It makes me appreciate how tough these critters have to be to survive all winter. I get to run into the house out of the wind and be nice and toasty.