Nearby Nature!

Woah! How neat is that!?

Countless students, teachers, parents, campers, and staff take the hike up Wolf Trail toward the Muck Pond each summer. Before we begin the trek, I always tell the group if we are quiet we have a better chance of spotting an elusive fox, or the chubby porcupine waddling toward the nearest tree. Although most groups prefer to sing or practice their Sasquatch calls over walking quietly, we still see wildlife in the form of noisy squirrels and the white flags of whitetail deer fleeing off in the distance. Wildlife sightings, no matter what species, are always a highlight of a camp experience.

But what other critters actually live in the Foley woods? This fall we set up a trail cam with the hopes of snapping shots of a monster buck before deer season. We were not only satisfied with the amount of deer we saw, but were thrilled to capture activity from raccoons, foxes, squirrels (of course), a coyote, and one of the most photographed critters, a blackbear! Our cam was set not too far off Wolf Trail heading toward the Muck Pond. Let's add the simple statement that these critters are much more terrified of us than we are of them, so have no fear campers!

It is a fantastic thing, knowing we share this magnificient habitat with such amazing critters. Enjoy just a handful of the trail cam shots below, and keep in mind trail cam quality isn't always the best- especially in the dark!

Whitetail Deer

                                                

Raccoon

Red Fox

Coyote

Black Bear

BONUS PICS! Taken by the one and only, Dr. Earth. Follow Dr. Earth on Instagram to fully appreciate the beauty of Earth's wildlife. These 3 shots were all taken at camp! 

Grumpy Raccoon

Just a little guy!

We like to call this pose "King Porcupine"

CAMP CREATURE - The Minnesota Red Fox

The Minnesota Red Fox

Ever wonder what kind of animals roam around Camp Foley?  One of the most popular among those who frequent camp is the Minnesota Red Fox.  Several Camp Foley staffers have spotted foxes here on the grounds; most recently, near the boys’ cabins.  The foxes are particularly popular with our camp office "mascots" (dogs) Norm and Nike, who seem very interested in being let out to chase them!

While the “Red” Fox can actually be black or silver-black in color, most have a rust-colored pelt with black legs and a long, bushy white-tipped tail.  They average 15 to 16 inches in height and weigh between 8 and 15 pounds.

The Minnesota Red Fox can run up to 30 mph and jump as far as 15 feet.  They are most often seen at twilight and during the evening hours when they venture away from their dens to hunt.

Foxes have a dog-like appearance because they are members of the Canidae animal family – a group that includes dogs, wolves, and similar creatures.  While foxes tend to stay quiet to avoid detection, they can bark, yelp and make many dog-like sounds when necessary.  

A Red Fox with its prey

Unlike dogs and wolves, foxes are not pack animals.  They live and hunt alone, except for a short period of time while raising their young with a mate.  During those months, both parents venture out to hunt alone and bring their catches home to the den to feed their “pups.”  Within a year, the fox pups grow to be large and independent enough to leave the den and live on their own.

As omnivores, Red Foxes feed on rats, mice, rabbits, squirrels, birds, snakes, lizards, fish, insects, berries, nuts, and seeds.  They use their keen eyes, ears, and sense of smell to locate prey.  A fox can detect the sound of a burrowing ground squirrel or a lizard rustling through the brush, from several yards away.  But since foxes hunt alone, rather than in packs, they must often use clever cat-like tactics to track, stalk, and pounce on their prey.  These hunting techniques are believed to be the inspiration behind the old phrase, “sly as a fox.”

Foxes are one of the few predators that occasionally store food under brush or buried in the ground for use later.  While harmless to humans – a fox will usually run as soon as it sees you – they do have a few natural enemies.  Coyotes, dogs, and humans all compete for territory and hunt foxes.

At Camp Foley, our “Foxes” are our youngest camper group.  Like their animal namesakes, Foley Foxes learn valuable skills that they can continue to use throughout their lives.

What animals have you seen here at Foley?  Let us know!

(For more pictures, info, and to hear the sound of a fox barking, click these:)

Animal Planet

National Geographic