So there we are, another long day of work behind us and we're just finishing up our dinner when we look out into the yard and exclaim, "What the heck is that?" After some fumbling around, a bit more scrambling and several "where's my camera?" later, we capture it on film in pixels. This Gray Fox was being sly, sneaking onto the grounds of In The Wild and chomping on some leftover critter mix. If you've Liked our Facebook page, you'll have had an early heads up about our visitor, as we posted a picture minutes after it took place. For more up-to-the-minute updates from In The Wild, "like" us on Facebook here.

It's not the first time we've spotted a fox in the yard, but it is the first time we've seen one while it's still been light outside - and when I say light, the light was fading so the photography was challenging and any movement resulted in some blur. Our previous encounters have been with the trail cam, which quietly snaps away unattended. This is one of the first shots we got, back in February, and the first time we knew that foxes were swinging by to check us out.

This foxy lady (I say lady, although it's difficult to tell apparently, beyond their size, unless you're a fox, I guess) had been by the evening before too, when again the trail cam picked her up.

That same evening, there's this picture that shows Rocky (our raccoon, or one of many) seemingly ruling the scavenging roost while the fox slinks off to look for pickings elsewhere. I'm not sure on the interactions between raccoons and foxes, but I'd be interested to know if you do - feel free to add a comment at the bottom. If you're on our email list, you'll have seen the image after this with the fox's eyes in the bushes watching the raccoons.

But, these are all grainy infra-red night time images. "What about the glorious Technicolor shots?" I hear you cry! OK, OK. Below are a few shots of her from last night, wearing her lovely gray and red coat.

We think she's pretty gosh darn gorgeous - what do you reckon? We'll be keeping an eye out for any repeat visits and will keep you posted.

Interested in knowing more about the Gray Fox in North Carolina? The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has an excellent article about the Gray Fox. Honestly, it's worth a read - did you know they climb trees? Click here to download it.

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