The Little Foxes of Marble Mountain

These two look like "book ends" or mirror images. (All photos by Anthony Benson.) *

On my May trip to Marble Mountain, my son-in-law Anthony accompanied me.  He proved to be a terrific traveling companion, not the least because he is an expert photographer.   And upon our arrival we learned that a litter of eight foxes was being raised in a den under the unoccupied Catholic church in the village.  The baby foxes with their adorable antics proved to be a perfect subject for Anthony's photography on this trip.

The Catholic church in the village is not used.  There's not a sufficient congregation in the area. 

The entrance to the den under the back of the church. 

Although folks in the village confirmed there were eight in the litter, we only saw four out at the same time, and usually there would be maybe one or two.

Four at play.  

The foxes seemed to be accustomed to a car driving up and people watching them from a distance.
First they would stick their head out to see if the coast was clear, and then they would venture out. 

  Is it safe to came out?

Staying close to the entrance to the den. 

Wondering "Who are you?"

The mother fox and the father fox were always close by and were keeping check on their pups.

Papa fox keeping check.  

Mama fox checking out what's going on. 

Eventually the foxes would engage in playful activities, just like little dogs. 

I named this one Forrest as in "Run Forrest Run!."  

I can't wait until we return next May, because I know that foxes often use the same den for raising their pups year after year. Maybe there will be a litter under the church next year.  I hope Anthony will be along and that he will have his camera ready.

*Many thanks to Anthony Benson for accompanying me on this trip and for these exceptional photographs.