The top 9 must-read books about red foxes
Did you know that the collective name for a group of foxes is a ‘skulk’? What about the fact that a vixen can only conceive on about 3 days a year? Or that the founder of the RSPCA was a keen fox hunter?
Well, you do now, and these facts have come from the books on this list!
At the time of writing this post, there was no resource I could find that listed the best factual books available about foxes, so I thought it would be useful to create a list of my own for anyone else who’s interested in reading more.
I certainly don’t claim to have exhausted all publications ever written on foxes, but I have read a lot on the subject, so every fox book that I find fascinating will make it onto this list in the hope that you too can get some value out of them.
Some of the older books are no longer in print, so may be a little harder to get hold of, or only available second hand (not that that’s a bad thing). I’ve included links below to make it as easy as possible for you to get hold of any books in the list you may be interested in reading.
I hope this list is helpful and you find these fox books as interesting to read as I have!
Please note that the links below contain Amazon Affiliate links, which means this site receives a small portion of any purchases, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for using these links as it helps with the running of this site. Happy reading!
The Hidden World of the Fox – Adele Brand
This is quite simply the most beautifully-written book about foxes you could hope to read.
While Adele Brand’s book contains a wealth of fascinating fox information, much of it you may well be learning for the first time, its real strength is the poetic and romantic language she uses to describe and convey this information. She really provides unique insight into the secretive world of an animal that many of us live so close to but often know very little about.
As a mammal ecologist who has studied foxes all over the world (tracking foxes in India’s Thar Desert being just one of many incredible experiences included in the book), the author clearly has huge scientific knowledge of all things fox, yet has managed to write a book that’s incredibly accessible and a genuine page turner.
Absolutely recommended for anyone who has foxes visit their garden and wants to learn more about them. A vulpine literary pleasure!
Foxes Unearthed: A Story of Love and Loathing in Modern Britain – Lucy Jones
A fascinating and really well-researched book by journalist Lucy Jones, which covers virtually every aspect of foxes in Britain.
With contributions from such well-known names as Chris Packham, Brian May and Ricky Gervais, Foxes Unearthed provides a brilliant contemporary view of Britain’s relationship with foxes, covering their appearances in literature and folklore, laws that helped and hindered them and how the public’s opinion of them has been shaped by media and the internet.
Particularly interesting are the author’s intriguing accounts of the experiences she had while conducting research for the book. These include shadowing a professional fox controller, visiting a fox rescue centre, going on a fox (drag) hunt and joining an anti fox hunt saboteur group. As a fox lover with a beloved Grandfather who was a keen fox hunter, Lucy Jones’ viewpoints are put across really well and result in a balanced view of both sides of the fox-hunting debate.
Absolutely worth reading and you come away from the book feeling you have been culturally and historically educated about foxes, rather than just being fed a list of dry, scientific facts.
Urban Foxes – Stephen Harris and Phil Baker
Stephen Harris was a Professor of Environmental Sciences at Bristol University and is generally regarded as an authority on urban foxes, having had papers published in the likes of the Journal of Animal Ecology BBC Wildlife Magazine and the Journal of Mammalogy, amongst many others.
Likewise, Dr Phil Baker is an academic at Reading University and has also published many papers on wildlife and mammals in a range of specialist journals.
Harris and Baker consolidate their vast knowledge in this comprehensive book on foxes, making it a great way to learn more about the foxes that populate our towns and cities.
A pleasant surprise is that despite their considerable academic backgrounds, the book is written in an informative and entertaining way, making it easy to get stuck into and enjoy.
Red Fox: The Catlike Canine – J. David Henry
From the early 1970s to the mid 1980s, boreal ecologist Dr Henry spent 14 years researching rural red foxes in Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada. This book recounts his incredibly in-depth experiments, which could be a bit of a tough read if they were relayed purely in scientific language.
Fortunately for the reader, Henry injects some much-needed humility, good nature and humour into proceedings, resulting in a thoroughly entertaining and action-packed 8 chapters.
When you read the lengths Dr Henry went to in order to get his results (e.g. watching foxes bury food over 500 times), you’ll realise that he needed every inch of his good humour to get through some very trying times.
One of the main themes throughout the book is how ‘catlike’ foxes actually are, despite being a member of the Canidae family. The retractable claws, vertical slit pupils, tapetum lacidum (shiny ‘cats eye’) and sharp canines are just some of the physical attributes shared with cats, possibly an idea not considered before publication of this book.
Overall this is a fascinating study of rural foxes, carried out by a humane and intelligent man who is unswervingly passionate about his subject.
Country Foxes – Hugh Kolb
With recent studies suggesting that the physiology of urban foxes is diverging away from rural foxes, it makes sense to have a book that is dedicated solely to their country cousins.
Country Foxes by Hugh Kolb is actually is a companion piece to Urban Foxes by Harris and Baker, as part of the British Natural History Series by Whittet Books. It provides fascinating insight into just how different a rural fox’s lifestyle can be in an environment with much larger territories and much less contact with humans.
The book looks at some of the history of fox hunting and the up and down relationship between farmers and foxes. It also contains some lovely nuggets of information, such as ‘skulk’ being the collective noun for foxes and that foxes from the north of Scotland have been found to be, on average, 10% larger than those in the south of England.
With this book, Oxford Zoology graduate Kolb has written what is the probably the definitive work on foxes in the countryside.
Fox Watching: In the Shadow of the Fox – Martin Hemmington
A great book that explores the author’s personal journey of observing and studying foxes in the wild. Martin Hemmington, an experienced naturalist and founder of The National Fox Welfare Society, shares his fascination with the intelligence and adaptability of these creatures, as well as his observations of their behaviour and interactions with other animals.
The book is organised into several chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of foxes, such as their diet, social structure, and mating habits. Hemmington also delves into the cultural and historical significance of foxes in various societies and mythology, as well as the impact of human activities on fox populations.
Throughout the book, Hemmington provides vivid descriptions of his experiences in the field, from tracking foxes through the woods to observing their hunting techniques. He also shares his insights into the challenges and rewards of studying these elusive creatures, and the importance of conservation efforts to protect their habitats and populations.
Overall, “Fox Watching” offers a compelling and informative look at one of nature’s most fascinating and mysterious creatures, and is sure to captivate anyone with an interest in wildlife and the natural world.
Fox: Neighbour, Villain, Icon – Matt Maran
If you’re into wildlife photography, then this is the fox-related book for you. Matt Maran, a wildlife photographer and filmmaker, shares his experiences observing and documenting the behaviour of foxes in London, UK. It’s also got a foreword by Chris Packham.
Maran explores the history of foxes in London, from their introduction by wealthy landowners for hunting purposes to their adaptation to urban environments. He also discusses the controversies surrounding foxes, such as their impact on urban wildlife and the debate over fox hunting.
In the book, Maran details his encounters with foxes in the city, from watching them play in a park to observing their scavenging behaviour. He also shares his insights into the challenges and rewards of photographing and filming foxes in an urban environment, and the importance of understanding and respecting these animals.
This lovely book provides a fascinating and thought-provoking insight into the complex relationship between humans and foxes, and is for anyone with an interest in wildlife, urban environments, and the natural world.
The Complete Fox – Les Stocker
This remarkable guide, born from the late Les Stocker’s rich experience in wildlife care and rehabilitation at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital, offers an immersive exploration of these enigmatic creatures.
Delving into the fox’s intricate role in ecosystems and their interactions with humans, the book busts myths and provides practical insights for coexistence. With engaging anecdotes and a heartfelt approach, Stocker bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and personal connection.
More than just a book, “The Complete Fox” beckons you to embrace the wild, understand these fascinating animals, and champion their conservation. Stocker’s passion is contagious, igniting a call to safeguard the natural world. Get ready to be captivated by the fox’s world and inspired to make a difference.
Running with the Fox – David Macdonald
This is an enthralling glimpse into the intricate lives of foxes, seamlessly weaving scientific insight and personal anecdotes to create an absorbing narrative. Drawing from his extensive research as a respected wildlife biologist, Macdonald unveils the mysteries of fox behaviour, revealing their adaptability across diverse landscapes, from rural countryside to urban environments.
The book masterfully blends scientific rigour with accessible storytelling, making it a captivating read for both wildlife enthusiasts and general readers. Macdonald’s personal encounters with foxes infuse the narrative with a poignant touch, fostering a deep connection between the reader and the animal kingdom.
By dispelling misconceptions and addressing the vital ecological role of foxes, the author encourages readers to appreciate these creatures as integral components of our natural world. Macdonald’s dedication to wildlife preservation and his insightful exploration of coexistence contribute to the book’s thought-provoking nature.
In essence, “Running With The Fox” is a compelling exploration of foxes’ lives, offering an enriching perspective that merges scientific expertise and genuine passion. Through Macdonald’s words, readers are invited to perceive foxes not just as creatures of the wild, but as a testament to nature’s resilience and beauty in the face of human influence.
RESOURCES
Some of the resources below may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. We appreciate your use of these links as it helps to keep this website running!
- The Hidden World of the Fox – Adele Brand [aff]
- Urban Foxes – Stephen Harris & Phil Baker [aff]
- Red Fox: The Catlike Canine – J. David Henry [aff]
- Foxes Unearthed: A Story of Love & Loathing in Modern Britain – Lucy Jones [aff]
- Country Foxes – Hugh Kolb [aff]
- Fox Watching: In the Shadow of the Fox – Martin Hemmington [aff]
- Fox: Neighbour, Villain, Icon – Matt Maran [aff]
- The Complete Fox – Les Stocker [aff]
- Running With The Fox – David Macdonald [aff]
