Meet the red fox
How do foxes hunt prey they can’t see? Sometimes, the first clue isn’t a glimpse of movement. It’s a sound.
Watch the video on YouTubeA hunt that starts with listening
A red fox can listen for mice and other small prey concealed by grass or snow. It pauses, locates the sound, then pounces. That headfirst dive into the snow is more than a dramatic entrance—it’s a way to reach a meal hidden below the surface.
Look closer
Watch for the pause before the leap. Where are the ears pointing? Does the fox shift its head before committing to the jump? Compare hunting in grass with hunting in snow, and notice how much of the prey stays out of sight.
The next time you watch wildlife, pay attention to the still moments. An animal that seems to be doing nothing may be listening closely.
Learn more: Red fox behavior — National Park Service.