Curious, adaptable and intelligent. The red fox is the perfect urban survivor

In an increasingly urban world, it’s remarkable to find a carnivore not only surviving, but thriving in the city

By keeping to the shadows and leading a mostly nocturnal life, the red fox can live alongside man almost unnoticed

But even though we share our surroundings, after midnight the streets belong to the foxes

They divide our neighbourhoods into their own territories. We are lucky to own a house, but a fox owns the whole street

Dog foxes patrol their territories in the early morning, before the commuters head out for the day

Territory sizes in Bristol have varied wildly, since an outbreak of mange in 1995 killed 95% of the city’s population

But the surviving 5%, who were more resistant to mange, slowly repopulated Bristol with a more resilient population

Mange is still present, but numbers have slowly been recovering and the surviving foxes are more resistant to the disease. Many territories however, still remain vacant

Cars can also be a big killer. Around 50% of urban foxes die on our roads, with young foxes in most danger. Adults are much more streetwise and know their green cross code

Sub-adults are generally more at risk in the city. A more inquisitive and adventurous nature is likely to get them into trouble

Young foxes spend most of the summer near their dens in family groups, exploring their surroundings and slowly growing in confidence

For some, confidence comes more naturally and they will investigate anything new in their environment - including a camera

Young vixens may stay with the family, but during autumn and winter, young dogs are adventuring further and starting to look for their own territories

Prime real estate with a good set of bins is a patch worth protecting

Soon the adults become less tolerant of those reluctant to leave and do their best to help them pack their bags

Sooner or later all young foxes must gather their courage if they are to make it on their own

Some find safety on the outskirts of the city, bridging the gap between urban and rural

But for those that choose to call Bristol home, the city can be just as safe and comfortable an existence as anywhere else