The Terrible Twos

Time leap - it's 3 weeks later, mid-April, and the kit fox cam trap just received fresh batteries.

The young pup has been coming above ground for a month, is weaned, but isn't yet old enough to start seriously hunting with Mom and Dad, nor venture out alone.

Yes, that's right - it's time for the terrible twos.

Months, that is.

Which means a lot of hanging around the den.





Looking for things to do.



Such as playing with your food.



And playing with your parents.





And playing.







And playing.





And occasionally chewing on old bones and hooves.



And playing.





And playing.





A wise friend once told me a key to parenting young kids is learning the "art of distraction."

If so, these kit fox parents seem to have mastered that art.



Of course, while these family photos are a total joy, they are also a tad sad.

Because our little pup has no siblings, and growing up alongside sibs and learning life skills through play is such a canid thing. I.e., puppy piles.

Plus, it might have given these fantastic fox parents a few more chances to kick back and enjoy the sunsets on the Carrizo Plain.



That's the Dad, btw.

Sure looks like a proud and content papa to me.

Editor's note: this was post 2 of 3 of this kit fox family. The other two posts are here:

• In a Family Way
• Kit Fox Family - Bonus Tracks

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References:

• Nature of a Man (this blog) - In a Family Way
• The Wasmann Journal of Biology, Vol 14, 1956 - Ernest C. Twisselmann - A Flora of the Temblor Range and the Neighboring Part of the San Joaquin Valley
• Natural Areas Journal, Vol 31, 2011 - David J. Germano, Department of Biology, California State University Bakersfield  - The San Joaquin Desert of California: Ecologically Misunderstood and Overlooked
• CSU Stanislaus Endangered Species Recovery Program - San Joaquin Kit Fox
• CSU Stanislaus Endangered Species Recovery Program - Recovery Plan for San Joaquin Kit Fox
• CSU Stanislaus Endangered Species Recovery Program - Giant Kangaroo Rat

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