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Foxwatch Ireland urges care on roads 04.03.08

DRIVERS in Inishowen are being urged to take care on country roads with the fox cubbing season just two weeks away.
Peter Akokan of Foxwatch Ireland said female foxes (vixens) are pregnant with cubs at this time of year and will be foraging for food, particularly at night.
"This is a vulnerable time of year for the red fox as they usually give birth around mid-March," said the Foxwatch Ireland founder.
A dead fox lying on the road in the Gleneely area. "We would urge caution around this time of year and from mid-March onwards because the cubs will then be born and the mothers will be out looking for food for them. If the mother is killed, the cubs will be orphaned and will probably not survive on their own."
Foxwatch Ireland is a sanctuary based in Co. Roscommon. It
conducts research on the habits of the majestic creature and takes in orphaned cubs and injured vixens and male foxes (dogs).
Foxes are relatively common in rural areas of Inishowen and are at risk during the mating season in January and February, when dead foxes can be seen lying on the roadside.
"People will recognise the fox as a wily, sly creature but during the mating season they get very distracted. The fox is a very sociable creature and even though a male will have a partner, they will also go looking for other mating partners. They will abandon their usual careful habits in their search for a mate and that's why you will see dead foxes on the road in January and February."
Peter said most drivers will recognise a fox at night from their eyes shining brightly in a car's headlamps. "When you see that, just slow down and this will give the fox the best chance of staying out of your way."
He invited anyone in Inishowen with an interest in foxes to visit his website. You can also order a small wildlife warning magnet to put on your car, to alert passing wildlife of an oncoming car. For more, visit http://homepage.eircom.net/~foxwatchireland
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