The adaptability of the red fox explains why you may see one walking down your block or across your yard in Rye these days.
That was one of the messages delivered by Michael Zazzaro, the naturalist at Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary, as he led a discussion on June 9 about all things foxes: their breeds, diets, hunting techniques, habitats, and more Zazzaro said he hoped his 45-minute presentation, would foster new understanding of the cunning mammals in our backyards.
The back-and-forth dialogue between Zazzaro and the audience of about 20, ranging from retirees to children holding sippy cups, answered questions posed by concerned homeowners and curious participants.
“They’re not just carnivores, they’re omnivores,” Zazzaro explained to the group. “They have a varied diet of small birds, mammals, insects, fruits, and vegetables. This flexibility allows them to survive in diverse environments, especially in the arctic or desert.”
“So, do I have to worry about my tomatoes this year now that I have a fox?” asked a Larchmont resident in the audience.
“Depends how good your tomatoes are,” the naturalist joked. In an area so abundant with squirrels and birds, however, vegetation is unlikely to be a fox’s first choice for a meal, Zazzaro said.
Zazzaro’s fox presentation followed one the week before that focused on coyotes’ survival strategies through the seasons. With each discussion highlighting a different animal, Edith Read has gained a loyal following of students.
The sanctuary’s summer camp program has postponed future animal presentations, but the lectures are to resume in the fall.