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It was early on a recent Saturday morning and I was huddled on the coach watching a cartoon with Andrew and Will. Wildlife/fox3.jpg

These are some of my favorite moments with my boys nuzzled in close on either side of me. The comfort was quickly interrupted, however. I glanced out the sliding glass door that looks out onto the yard and saw a small mammal working its way at a jogger’s pace down the hill toward the deck.
“Look a fox!” I said, tearing the boys attention away from the cartoon. It’s not always easy to distract them from the boob tube, but they both perked up and watched the fox. It was actually running right toward the sliding glass door.
We jumped up and slowly walked toward the door. We all watched as the fox continued down the wooded hill area and into the more landscaped portion of the property. The fox escaped from our view so we rushed to the windows overlooking that area of the yard. The fox was gone. Just disappeared. Nevertheless, we had a good story for when mommy woke up.
It was the first fox we had seen in our yard. We’ve seen plenty of deer and the occasional raccoon, but this was a first. It didn’t have the brilliant rusty coat of a red fox, so I assume it was a gray fox. I was glad the boys and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to see the animal.
Apparently strange animal sightings are becoming more common. More than one source last week e-mailed to tell of coyotes in Norwalk. Not only Norwalk’s surrounding towns and the suburban areas of Norwalk, but East Norwalk in the general area of the beach.
They have also been reported recently in Wilton and Westport.
Dr. Robert Weiss, a podiatrist from Darien perhaps better known as The Running Doctor, forwarded a few photos of young coyotes frockling in his yard in Westport. He said he has seen adult coyotes before in Westport, but this was a first for the youngsters.
There have also been reports of coyotes near Compo Beach in Westport.
Officer Rick Duddie of Norwalk Animal Control said coyote “pose a threat only if approached, like any wild animal.”
Duddie added that coyotes can usually find enough food to survive without poaching small pets from backyards.
Coyotes are, however, a potential carrier of rabies. Actually “any warm-blooded animal” can pose a rabies threat, according to Duddie. He said raccoons and skunks are prime candidates.
The Wilton Animal Control offers the following tips on coyote safety:
• Small pets should be leashed or under close supervision at all times while outside;
• Coyotes are territorial and may aggressively approach dog walkers, especially in the spring and summer while raising their pups;
• If approached, do not run, but rather walk calmly from the area, and do not pick up your pet when leaving.
• To frighten a coyote, shout, wave your arms and act aggressively.
Duddie said coyote sightings may be reported to the Connecticut DEP. Local animal control departments will only respond if the animal is sick or injured.
Well, we added the fox to the yard list the other week. Maybe the coyote will be next. Some day a moose? I’ll never give up hope.

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