Such a delightful surprise! ❤️️ Dora Nightingale first spotted foxes in her backyard in 2016, and since then, she has become their devoted guardian. She established Fox Guardians to “educate people about foxes and inspire more humans to treat foxes with compassion,” as stated on the organization’s website. The local foxes have trusted her for years, living in and around her yard, even raising their families there — including a fox named Babybelle.
For two years now, Babybelle has frequented Nightingale’s yard, feeling at home there. Recently, Nightingale noticed Babybelle standing guard outside an old dog house in her yard and soon realized she was protecting something very precious.
“I went out to feed the birds and spotted the tiny cubs wiggling in the shelter,” Nightingale shared.
It appears Babybelle’s original den for her cubs was destroyed, so she brought them to the safest place she knew — Nightingale’s yard. Nightingale, despite her extensive experience with Fox Guardians, had never encountered such a situation and was unsure how to proceed. Typically, fox cubs are well-hidden. She sought advice from other wildlife rescuers and a veterinarian, who recommended closely monitoring the situation but ultimately trusting Mama Babybelle’s instincts.
As expected, their instincts were spot on.
“The footage showed that the mother visited the cubs every two hours to nurse and groom them, and then after sunset, she carried each cub, one by one, to the new den located near my garden,” Nightingale said. “It was a monumental effort for her, as she had to jump over the back wall while carrying a cub. Since she had five cubs, she had to repeat this process multiple times.”
Despite the challenges of moving her cubs, Babybelle was resolute in ensuring their safety. She has demonstrated her dedication and love as a mother, entrusting only Nightingale and Fox Guardians with the care of her cubs.
“People often remark on how remarkable it is that a wild animal trusts me enough to place her precious babies in my garden, knowing they will be protected,” Nightingale said. “I feel incredibly touched and honored by this trust. It’s heartwarming to see how the old dog kennel played a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of these vulnerable cubs. A small act of kindness can have a significant impact on a fox’s life.”
After dedicating herself to aiding foxes and leading Fox Guardians for so many years, Nightingale emphasizes the importance of coexistence with these creatures. She urges everyone to understand that if foxes choose your yard as their habitat, the best approach is to let them thrive undisturbed.
“Foxes play a crucial role in our ecosystem … and they deserve a place to live,” Nightingale stressed. “With natural habitats for wildlife shrinking, allowing a fox to share your wild space is vital. The cubs will naturally disperse come late summer. Meanwhile, enjoy the spectacle—it’s like watching nature’s own live Disney show unfold on your lawn!”