Friday, December 4, 2009

New Friends & New Secrets

Winter in Alaska is a time of burning cold, and ever-growing darkness. Food becomes scarce; life is much more arduous for everyone. Empathetic to my fellow animals, I have been launching my food scraps into the woods directly behind my apartment. [I recently learned that John has been doing the same.] I feel it is important to note: I only throw scraps into my woods when then bears are deep into hibernation.

A few weeks ago, a fox has been spotted in our village. This is exceedingly thrilling because the village did not think there were any critters left in the area because the old “preacher and his family trapped and killed everything.” The fox has been spotted regularly on the school grounds. I am so stoked about this situation. I feel honored that he resides in my woods. I believe part of the reason he plays on school grounds is because Natives are not allowed to trap on school property, so the kids will not accidentally get caught in a trap. Guess who I saw last night?!




I quickly and quietly ran to get Jess, and my camera. I opened the back door, and quietly crept out; Jess pushed me out farther, and I snapped a few pictures. This did not bug Mr. Fox at all. He hardly even seemed to notice, let alone care, and he even came closer to investigate my actions. He literally came within a foot of me!




By this time, John and the kids caught on to what we were doing. (We initially didn’t include the kids because we didn’t want them to scare Mr. Fox away.) Similarly, John and the kids’ presence did not seem to discern our new friend. Thinking quickly, John grabbed the taco meat leftovers, and dumped it for Mr. Fox. He was thrilled, and ate with enthusiasm.




While he was enjoying his Mexican dinner, he kept looking at something off in the distance…Next thing we know- another fox has come to join the dinner party!!!

This fox was significantly smaller, blander in color, and much more apprehensive about our presence. I would guess this is a female, and the other is a male. I am not really positive, though. (I know nothing about foxes- this is all speculation.)




For now, our fox neighbors will remain a secret because I do not want them to die. My students tell me that foxes are a nuisance, and get into everything -they like to eat the Villagers fish; therefore, they are better killed and skinned, for a monetary gain…