''The numbers of urban foxes are out of control. They have become increasingly vicious, fearless and aggressive.We previously thought that hedgehogs would be safe from foxes and only the occasional baby or weak hedgehog was preyed upon. Experiences over the last couple of years has taught us differently.Foxes have learned how to grab hold of and maim or kill hedgehogs. What happens is:
-The fox pounces on a hedgehog which curls up on contact.
-The fox freezes and stays perfectly still about 2 foot away from the rear of the hedgehog.
-The hedgehog hearing nothing, thinks it is safe and slowly uncurls. As it puts its back legs out to run the fox springs, grabs the hedgehog's back legs with its long snout and bites and twists & throws the hedgehog up in the air.
-An adult hedgehog will curl up again but the damage has already been done, in a split second the fox's sharp strong teeth make deep slashes into the flesh and break and crush the bones or bite the leg off completely. The hedgehog will be left screaming and crippled to die in agony from its injuries.
-A small or weak hedgehog won't be able to curl up quickly enough and the fox will bite the underneath and eviscerate the hedgehog (rip out its guts).
-Foxes are not even afraid of dogs any more. Instead of running away they turn and fight and even attack the dogs.''
-The fox pounces on a hedgehog which curls up on contact.-The fox freezes and stays perfectly still about 2 foot away from the rear of the hedgehog.
-The hedgehog hearing nothing, thinks it is safe and slowly uncurls. As it puts its back legs out to run the fox springs, grabs the hedgehog's back legs with its long snout and bites and twists & throws the hedgehog up in the air.
-An adult hedgehog will curl up again but the damage has already been done, in a split second the fox's sharp strong teeth make deep slashes into the flesh and break and crush the bones or bite the leg off completely. The hedgehog will be left screaming and crippled to die in agony from its injuries.
-A small or weak hedgehog won't be able to curl up quickly enough and the fox will bite the underneath and eviscerate the hedgehog (rip out its guts).
-Foxes are not even afraid of dogs any more. Instead of running away they turn and fight and even attack the dogs.''
(Read down the page abit). The link will also give you more information.
As you can see from the pictures, this causes horrible injuries. I have only displayed the minor injuries in this Blog, because some are so horrific. The link above shows those pictures.
There is also video evidence on the 4th page on the forum.
EDIT:
I think it is important that we are aware that there might be a problem with Foxes and Hedgehogs.
Please consider that, in the area where Derek lives, Foxes are a problem without question. He has seen for himself what Foxes have been doing to the Hedgehogs. He also has a video on his forum which is proof to suggest that some Foxes are a problem to Hedgehogs.
Please contact me if you have any videos, pictures ot anything which backs up Dereks views on Foxes. That way, if we get people from all over Britain with proof that Foxes are a problem to Hedgehogs, then we can be a bit more certain.
All I know is that Hedgehogs are on the edge of extinction. And although this is nature, we can't just let this wonderful creature die out.
Please feel free to comment on this post, as I'm sure you all have different oppinions.
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3 comments:
Hi Beth,
Interesting piece, and I know that foxes do sometimes prey on hedgehogs, so I'm not disputing the technique. A neighbour of mine saw something similar a few weeks ago, and I helped point them to a local rescue centre. Certainly foxes are very intelligent and will adapt to changing conditions very quickly. I'm fortuante that our local foxes seem to get on fine with the hedgehogs (basically the fox will sniff and the hedgehog doesn't even curl up!)
The article you link to (by Derek) has some inaccuracies in it, primarily the supposed explosion of a fox population and the impact of wheelie bins. All the research carried out by Bristol University suggests that fox populations are very stable indeed, and that the wheelie bin has had no impact on their diet. That's not to say we don't see more of them these days, but that's partly because of human disruption to their habitat. We've moved closer to them and driven foxes out of quieter areas.
But it is distressing to find injured animals, though predation is part of nature.
But a great blog and I shall certainly look forward to reading more about the hedgehogs.
Hello Words.
I'm very interested in all wildlife. I have been visiting your brilliant Blog for over a year now. I love Foxes too, they are amazing creatures.
I am not going to ignore that Hedgehogs have been killed by Foxes, as there is video and picture evidence for this.
I have edited my blog post about Foxes. I have questioned the matter a bit more (if you have a look).
I cannot edit what Derek has said.
He has got many good points.
I see that you post pictures of Hedgehogs in your garden as well as Foxes, and if they can live together then thats great.
Do you feed the foxes?
This might have a small impact on it. Because maybe (and I might not be right) if foxes are fed then they wont have to attack Hedgehogs.
It also could depend on where you live.
I don't think anyone can be sure unless a proper investigation is carried out.
In the blogs I post, I try to keep to the facts as much as possible. And I am open to anyone telling me I could be wrong etc. I want people to question this Fox thing a little.
People have different opinions.
People have different information.
You are right, predation is part of nature.
But when we have Hedgehogs on the edge of extinction, and Fox numbers staple, then maybe something needs to be done.
We can't just let this amazing creature die out.
Thanks for raising that point.
If anyone needs more information on Hedgehogs then they can visit my website at:
www.freewebs.com/europeanhedgehog
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