Playing with Channel Island Foxes!

On By cindy knokeIn Conservation, MY PHOTOGRAPHS, Uncategorized

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Oh my! Somedays are just OH my days. I have seen about five foxes in my life, in Alaska, Canada, Wyoming and The Holler. I was on Santa Cruz Island before and saw the Channel Island foxes, a very unusual species that live only on the Channel Islands, no where else in the world, but I wasn’t really taking photos then. So back I went to see them again and try and get their photos. We hiked all over stunning Santa Cruz Island, and I firmly believe that since I was seeking, I didn’t find. It was an hour until the boat left and I had already been waiting in the place I had seen them before for about an hour. Silent, still, waiting. When, at last, the first fox came out. She scuttled along this open but submerged ditch that I am guessing she built that led from her den. She was surreptitious at first, but quickly got braver.
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This is the second fox. This one was bigger and I assume (with no knowledge to back me up that this was a male).
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The friendly first one again.
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This is the third smaller one. She (or he) got very close as long as I didn’t move a titch.
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I have so many more photos of this unique species. They are 1/3 smaller than the North American Grey fox. Channel Island foxes live on 6 of the 8 Channel Islands. Each island has a separate endemic fox species.
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Current thinking seems to be that these island foxes rafted over during the last ice age about 10,000- 16,000 years ago.
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They are very protected here. I am speechless. They are remarkbale.
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I forget to mention. Santa Cruz Island is ethereal.
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Cheers to you from the rare Channel Island foxes~
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236 thoughts on “Playing with Channel Island Foxes!”

  8. These are just the most gorgeous captures… what a fascinating little fox… it always fascinates me thinking how they got to where they are today… and looking at the photos of the Islands a fascinating place indeed… I always wonder why, when a nature lover will sit quietly, that the animals will come out and pose for them like these three did for you…. they obviously know how safe they are, and how fascinated you are with them… I love this post and I love this blog…

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    1. I got the same impressions that you did, probably because we both sit patiently and silently waiting for wildlife! Some of the happiest moments of my life and yours too I bet~

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  18. My goodness, Cindy, you must have the patience of Job! Fancy going there and waiting for these beautiful creatures, dare I ask how long it took you to get these wonderful shots?

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  20. What wonderful photos! The one pic looks like he or she is smirking at your camera!! I have always loved the red fox since I was a very little girl, it is so cool to see this different breed of fox! These pics of yours should be in National Geographic magazine! Hugz Lisa and Bear

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    1. Yes, I was almost wishing I would miss the boat, so I could spend the night, but I didn’t have a tent and the ranger was way too young for me. Besides I am married and my husband would be displeased!! 😉 😉

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  43. Hi my friend Cindy!

    Beautiful clicks I must say!! 🙂 You have perfectly managed to capture the true colors of foxes. Great work..

    Be Bettr, Stay Bettr! 🙂
    Swetank.

    Reply

      3. My friend had two wolves and they were firm and put a rather rude pit bull regularly in his place whenever necessary, but they were gentle too. Strong though and dominant, but gentle. Incredible creatures to be up close and personal with.

        Reply

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