What does a fox think?
Of course, I think foxes are beautiful…. Those gorgeous slanted eyes, those magnificent big ears, that graceful body, and above all, that magnificent fur coat!
But it was never just about the looks to me. I wanted to understand this fascinating animal! What does a fox eat? Where does a fox sleep? How do they communicate with each other? How does a fox interact with other foxes? How does she care for her cubs? What is a fox really like? What moves a fox… and above all: What does a fox think?
And although, even after years of ‘stalking foxes’, I probably have even more new questions… I also found answers, which naturally turned into stories. Below is a collection of my most popular fox stories.
1. Zen Foxes | The Art of Mindful Living
When I went into nature with an open mind, curious about whatever might cross my path, I sometimes was lucky enough to encounter a Zen Fox: a completely content fox, without worries about tomorrow or regrets about yesterday, simply enjoying the here and now. Just like I did. My Zen Foxes are my mirrors.
And apparently, they have that effect on other people too. My Zen Fox series traveled far beyond my own website and found its way into homes and workplaces all over the world, spreading a little of that pure bliss along the way.
→ See the Zen Fox collection
2. A Fox’ Story | About the Life of a Wild Red Fox Named Ticky
With the story of Ticky and her photographs, I wanted to honor her far too short life. Before I met her, I didn’t know that a connection with a wild, free animal could run so deep.
When she died far too young, I was heartbroken. And somehow, the internet seemed to grieve along with me. Even today, people are still touched by her story. In a way, she has been given a little bit of an eternal life after all.
3. Sixty-Four Foxy Faces | Every Fox Tells a Different Story
We have spent centuries putting animals beneath us, assuming that things like self-awareness, emotion and individuality belong primarily to humans. But spend enough time with one animal and that idea becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. ‘The fox’ doesn’t really exist. There are individuals. Look at these 64 Foxy Faces… Look at these faces and tell me you still think there is such a thing as simply a fox.
A collages of these faces as well as some individual portraits are also available as fine art prints.
4. Enchanting Red Foxes in the Snow | Magical Fine Art Photography
Enchanted. That was how I felt when, many years ago, I suddenly spotted that little splash of red against a pristine white canvas.
In the middle of a bizarre snowstorm, a red fox appeared. It seemed to enjoy those magical falling flakes just as much as I did. And perhaps it was only my imagination, but she seemed to be smiling.
All the cold and discomfort disappeared. There was only the fox and me, in our own little winter fairytale.
This became one of my most recognisable bodies of fox photography, and several of these snowy moments are available as fine art prints.
5. 31 Surprising Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Foxes
Although I could never tire of looking at foxes, I’m at least as fascinated by what goes on inside them.
After more than 15 years of studying and photographing foxes, they still surprise me and I still learn from them.
So I started collecting some of the things I’ve discovered along the way. Some are fascinating, some are surprising, and a few may completely change the way you look at a fox.
6. Foxy Love | Red Foxes Showing Affection
Who would have thought that wild predators could be so friendly?
Despite officially being solitary animals, foxes can be surprisingly social and loving. Both parents are incredibly caring towards their young, regularly grooming and cuddling them. Males and females can show affection towards each other too, and older brothers and sisters can be remarkably loving towards younger siblings.
And perhaps most surprising of all: they can also be remarkably friendly towards people.
I’ve had countless encounters with foxes over the years, and in all that time I’ve never seen a fox show aggression towards a person. Foxes really are among the kindest wild animals I know, and sometimes I think we could learn a thing or two from them.
Some of these affectionate moments have also found their way onto people’s walls as Foxy Love Prints.
7. Fox Trotting and Fox Fighting | Rituals of Territory & Hierarchy
An article about fighting foxes may seem a little out of place alongside my ode to fox love. But actually, it fits perfectly. Yes, foxes do fight when they really have to. Over food, territory or the protection of their family. Duh. But here’s the fascinating part: foxes have developed a whole ritual that can help prevent bloodshed. They use their front paws to push each other away, while wide-open mouths and plenty of shouting help determine who is, quite literally, the biggest loudmouth. And the pushing can look remarkably like a dance. A dance for peace, if you like. Also known as the foxtrot. Did I mention that foxes might be a pretty good example for our own species? Imagine if we danced our way through conflicts too.
8. Fox Reflections | What does the Fox See?
From my very first encounter with a fox until this very day, I’ve wondered: What does a fox think?
What goes on inside this mysterious animal? What is it looking at? Why does it do what it does? What moves it? What goes on in that beautiful mind?And most importantly: What does a fox see when it looks at its own reflection?
I still don’t have the answers. Perhaps that’s exactly why I keep wondering.
9. Fox Yawns | Chilling, Relaxing & Resting Foxes
Relaxing could have been their middle name. And, in all honesty, I’m still a little jealous. Imagine a life without schedules, obligations, alarms, socials, bank accounts, insurance, deadlines, tax returns, to-do lists, mortgages, FOMO or screen time…
Just enjoying what is. The warmth of the sun on your fur. The smell of grass in your nose. And, obviously, a good old-fashioned yaaaaaawn.
10. Fox Talk ? How Foxes Communicate in the Wild
We humans have words at our disposal. We can write books and blogs, explain ourselves and try to make ourselves understood. That is, in theory. In practice, we stumble over communication problems and misunderstandings all the time. Because words don’t always tell us what someone really means. Ears, eyes and tails don’t lie.
So perhaps we should take a lesson from foxes: learn to read body language and facial expressions, and master the art of intonation. Understanding each other might suddenly become a whole lot easier.
Fox Tales
So yes… foxes are more than just pretty faces. They have their own characters, relationships, moods and ways of communicating. They tell stories. They can be mirrors, teachers and sometimes simply very good examples of how to enjoy being alive. And that’s probably why, after more than 15 years, I still can’t get enough of them. Foxes tell stories. And occasionally, they also tell us something about ourselves.
If one of them happens to steal your heart, many of these images are also available as fine art prints.