It is a nocturnal animal with a shy, timid character, reluctant to interact with other animals and humans. Being a very territorial wild predator, it tends to engage in fierce competition with other animals.
Its gradual approach to population centres has meant that human contact is increasingly facilitated by its constant search for food.
This evolution in character and habits has slowly changed the wild nature of this animal, leading in many cases to true domestication. The red fox is one of the most docile species that is used to contact with humans.
There are about 25 species of foxes living on our planet. The most common is the red fox.
A wide range of symbolic meanings are attributed to foxes. In Europe they are considered synonymous with cunning and craftiness, in Christianity they were represented as a creature of evil (a characteristic probably due to their hunting methods).
In Japan, the Kitsune is still worshipped as a sacred spirit and guardian of agriculture - but also a wish for good luck - while in China it foretells the death of men.
kitsuneIn the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the red colour of its fur was interpreted as desire, sexuality and a symbol of the devil. Many of them were burnt alive precisely because of these reasons.
An Incas legend explains how in some foxes, the tip of the tail turned black. During a flood caused by the disgruntled gods, the animals had to take shelter on top of a mountain, but the foxes were almost caught up in the water and wet the tip of their tails, turning them black.
For the Celts, the fox was a guide to the spiritual world. It was highly respected and revered for its wisdom and knowledge of the woods.
In Egypt, this animal symbolised the favour of the Gods and in fact, in Mesopotamia, it was dear to the Goddess Ninhursag.
Folklore aside, this creature has adapted to what the world has become today: an insecure place, where fighting for survival is the only thought of many living beings. And unfortunately many of them don't make it.
In Finland...
An old Finnish legend features the fox in one of the most beautiful events that could ever happen to our planet: the northern lights, REVONTULET (fox fires) in Finnish.
aurora borealis. According to one of the many legends, the Arctic fox, while running through the snow, sprayed millions of sparkling crystals from its white tail. These would then rise into the sky, forming the northern lights.
