Mating Season - Male Fox Assesses her Readiness to Mate

Описание: The fox mating season – also known as the rut – takes place in Central Europe mainly from December to February, with a clear peak in January.

How does mating proceed in foxes?

1. The Phase Before: Weeks of Courtship

Before mating even occurs, an intense courtship begins,
which can last for several weeks.

The male fox stays close to the female and hardly leaves her side.

He constantly assesses her readiness to mate, usually by sniffing her genital area.

The female is initially very aloof and makes it clear to the male that she alone decides when the time is right.

The male fox must drive away rivals and assert himself against other males – sometimes with fierce fights.

The courtship includes affectionate behavior, such as ear nibbling, grooming, and playful wrestling.


2. The Decisive Moment: The Female Becomes Receptive

The female is only fertile for a few days a year – usually in January or February.

That's why the male pursues her so persistently.

3. The Mating Act Itself

The actual act is similar to that of dogs:

The male mounts the female.

As with dogs, a "lock" (copulation knot) occurs, during which the animals can remain connected for a few minutes to over an hour.

This anatomical "locking" is indirectly confirmed in the sources, as the mating is described as "anatomically like that of dogs."

Meanwhile:

The male displays both dominant and affectionate behavior.

The female only accepts the male she truly desires – even dominant males can be rejected.

4. Multiple Fathers Possible
Since males often follow several females and females can mate with multiple males, it is possible for a litter to have different fathers.

5. After Mating
The gestation period is 50–60 days.

The pups are born in March or April.

In many cases, the male remains nearby as a provider and brings food.