This selection of Irish animals, native or introduced, is taken from the Appletree Press title Animals of Ireland. There will be a number of extracts from the book in coming months. The book contains highly detailed full colour illustrations to complement the detailed explanatory text.

Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Sionnach

Since Neolithic times (5,500 years ago) the red Fox has been under nonstop attack by man in Ireland, for it has always conflicted with the interest of farmers. While other predators like the Wolf have succumbed to the onslaught, the Fox has survived and even proliferated. This is as much a testimony to the inherent cunning of the creature as to its adaptability. It has gained a bad reputation for its plundering raids on poultry and game birds which occur whenever the opportunity arises. But few are wanton killers. The majority shun the farmyard, preferring to hunt in the open countryside. They are carnivores and will take a wide range of living prey like Rabbits, other small mammals and birds. But they are scavengers too and will take carrion and human refuse. Berries and fungi are also eaten.

There are few more attractive-looking animals than the Fox. When the luxuriant winter coat is donned, this otherwise slim and rather angular dog fills out to become indeed the madra rua ('red dog') of the Irish countryside. The underside and much of the face is white while the backs of the large triangular ears and the forelegs are black. The brush or tail is thickly furred, cylindrical in shape and white tipped. It is usually held horizontally as the Fox ambles on its rounds.

Foxes are highly territorial, the dog performing circuits of his patch nightly and defining his boundary by scenting strategic points with his unmistakable musk. The den is usually a hole in the ground beneath rocks or tree roots where the brood of three or four cubs is raised in spring. Although blind at first the cubs can look after themselves within a couple of weeks. Foxes are generally nocturnal but can often be seen during the day as well. They will 'rest up' in a thorny patch and may be suddenly surprised by a passer-by. Fox cubs have been tamed as pets but often they remain shy in captivity.

Other Medium Mammals from Animals of Ireland include:
Badger |
Irish Hare |
Irish Stoat |
Mink |
Otter |
Pine Marten |
Rabbit