I'm a Little Shy

Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan

Play is essential to the development of all young mammals. Play behavior allows muscles to develop and triggers natural instincts. In predators such as fox kits, play behavior will help them learn how to be good hunters. A kit will practice stalking and pouncing on its siblings long before it attempts the same maneuvers with potential prey. This young fox was playing with its siblings close to their den site. In this image it almost looks like he's doing his stretching exercises before the big game or perhaps just being shy! Although it is always nice to see young animals in their environments, these fox kits were especially entertaining.