Loathed by some, loved by others, the red fox is a familiar yet mysterious mammal. It’s one of the world’s most widespread mammal species, including North America, Europe, Asia and parts of North Africa. It is even found in Australia, having been introduced there by humans and where it is a threat to native bird and mammal populations.
Its scientific name, Vulpes vulpes, is an example of a tautonym (where the genus and specific name are the same) and gives us the word ‘vulpine’. This refers to something relating to a fox or foxes, but due to the species’ apparent craftiness, it can also refer to a behaviour that is cunning or craft.
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Best books on foxes
Foxes Unearthed
By Lucy Jones. Published by Elliott & Thompson.
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Author and journalist Lucy Jones delves into the history of humankind’s relationship with the red fox in the UK (even touching on the weird 18th-century sport of ‘fox tossing’), and how fair some of our beliefs and myths around this mammal are.
Why has this species gained such a reputation for being cunning and crafty, how did it adapt so well to our urban environments and how do conservationists manage the balance of saving rare species with control of red foxes? It’s an enjoyable and insightful read.
Lucy’s recent book Losing Eden appears in our round-up of books on mental health, mindfulness and connecting with nature.
The Hidden World of the Fox
By Adele Brand. Published by William Collins.
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We’ve surely all encountered one, but what do we really know about the fox? Brand journeys deep into the secret life of this enigmatic canid, exploring everything from the complex structure of fox society to the fondness some individuals have for stealing shoes, dispelling many media-driven myths along the way.
Most thought-provoking are the author’s reflections on our own, often troubled, relationship with foxes, as increasing urbanisation means our paths intersect more often. “We have built our world over the wildwood, and yet seem perpetually surprised that foxes are in it,” she muses. This neatly-written book offers a refreshing rethink on all things vulpine.
Reviewed by Pete Dommett, wildlife writer
The Wild Life of the Fox
By John Lewis-Stempel. Published by Doubleday.
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Almost every person will have their own opinion on the humble fox – no other creature in British history has ever been so polarising as these alluring tricksters. Written in the lyrical, masterful prose that Lewis-Stempel is well known for, this book tells the story of this familiar species through history, art and culture, with a mixture of poetry, natural history, rural folklore and historical accounts.
The fox’s many guises are uncovered: an assassin, a worthy foe of the hunted countryside, or even a much-loved children’s fiction character. This book will leave you simultaneously enchanted, and vengeful for Lewis- Stempel’s slaughtered chickens.
Reviewed by Tay Aziz, wildlife film-maker
RSPB Spotlight: Foxes
By Mike Unwin. Published by Bloomsbury Wildlife.
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Authored by the wildlife and travel writer, photographer and illustrator Mike Unwin, this book is a factual overview to the red fox’s behaviours, ecology and relationship with humans. While short in length, it is nonetheless in-depth and a brilliant guide to the species.
Accompanied by numerous colour photographs and diagrams (note to any parents: this does include some pictures of fox carcasses), it’s an easy read that’s great for gaining a better understanding of this widespread and familiar species.
Fantastic Mr Fox
By Roald Dahl. Published by Puffin.
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And of course, this list would not be complete without this classic children’s novel. First published in 1970, Fantastic Mr Fox is one of Roald Dahl’s most famous stories, and a firm favourite of many (though I must admit that I prefer George’s Marvellous Medicine and James and the Giant Peach).
It follows the anthropomorphic title character Mr Fox, who is married with three children and needs to feed his family – he does so by stealing from local farms. It turns into a prolonged battle between Mr Fox and the farmers, with Mr Fox’s friends being looped into help.
The novel was adapted into a stop-motion animated film in 2009 with a variety of famous actors voicing the characters, including George Clooney as the title character, Meryl Streep as his wife Felicity Fox, Bill Murray as Clive Badger Esq., and Jason Schwartzman as Ash Fox. It’s also been adapted into a stage play and an opera.