Vixen raises six cubs short stop from O’Connell St

A CITY vixen being tracked by wildlife photographer Paul Hughes is feeding her newborn cubs with rats, birds, mice — as well as hot dogs and ham sandwiches.

The new mother, who has six cubs, is spending her days nursing her cubs and playing with them at a city location just one mile from O’Connell Street.

According to Hughes, who has spent three years watching the vixen, the cubs will stay with her until about August or September when they will leave to make their own way in the world.

“They disappear and go to the Dart line, or the bushes or they find places along the river.

“Sometimes the vixen will have to chase them away which can be sad as they get attached, but she chases them out of the area,” said Hughes.

For now though, she is taking good care of them, bringing back all sorts of food from the streets, and catching fresh wildlife too.

“She leaves them in the den and comes back hours later with food. She is training them at the moment and buried a hot dog outside the den for them today.”

Hughes, who is publishing a wildlife book in 2012, is watching the family from early morning until evening.

“I am usually here from about 7.30am and then finish up at about 8pm. I will do that for another two weeks until their coats turn ginger and then not as much after that.”

Contrary to popular belief Hughes maintains foxes are not dangerous animals and says everyone in the area loves them.

“They never show any aggression at all and in my opinion are not dangerous. They get startled but that’s about it. You have to watch children around any animal, I would say they are very docile towards humans.”

Hughes has watched the vixen given birth to several litters and has been within two feet of her. He says the fox knows he is there but does not mind as he is respectful and quiet.

His website www.wildirishswan.com features shots and videos of wildlife scenes filmed in Dublin city.