The diet and growth of fox cubs in two regions of Scotland

Abstract

Analysis of stomach contents showed that in North-east Scotland fox cubs are mainly fed on rabbits and hares, whereas in the West of Scotland they are fed on lambs and voles. The rate of growth of litters is the same in the two regions, but cubs in the West are born on average between a week and a fortnight later than those in the North-east. It is suggested that this is due to different periods of availability of the main foods in the two habitats.