Where to Spot Them
In Romania, foxes are everywhere, but they are most active during dawn and dusk (crepuscular animals).
- Mountain Regions: In areas like Bucegi or Făgăraș (see more), you might see them near hiking trails.
- The Danube Delta (see more): Here, foxes have adapted to a diet that often includes fish and water birds.
- Rural Villages: They are famous (or infamous) for visiting households in search of a quick snack.
A mother Red Fox resting at the entrance of her den under the roots of an old mossy tree and two cubs.
While they may look like friendly dogs, it is crucial to remember that wild animals are unpredictable.
- Do Not Feed Them: Feeding foxes makes them lose their natural fear of humans, which can lead to dangerous situations for both the animal and people.
- Keep Your Distance: A fox that seems "tame" or approaches you might be sick (rabies is still a concern in wild populations) or simply habituated to food. Always enjoy their beauty from afar.
- Photography Tip: Use a zoom lens! You’ll get a much better, more natural shot of their behavior without stressing the animal.
The fox, or "Vulpea", is a central character in many Romanian fables. Usually portrayed as "Cumătra Vulpe" (The Fox Godmother), she is always the cunning character who outsmarts the stronger but less intelligent wolf or bear.
The Fox and the Crow: A Lesson in Flattery
One bright morning, a Crow perched on a branch with a large piece of cheese in her beak. A Fox, drawn by the delicious scent, looked up and decided he must have it.
Instead of trying to climb the tree, the Fox began to praise the bird. "Dear Crow," he said, "how beautiful your feathers are! Your grace is unmatched. Surely, a bird so magnificent must have the most enchanting voice in the forest. If only I could hear you sing!"
Flattered and eager to prove him right, the Crow opened her beak to let out a loud caw. The moment she did, the cheese fell straight into the waiting mouth of the Fox.
As he finished the snack, the Fox looked up and said: "Keep your beauty, my friend, but next time, do not trust those who praise you too much."
A video with a fox feedin the cubs in the forest:
Frequently Asked Questions: The Red Fox in Romania
1. Where are the best places to see foxes in Romania?
Red foxes are widespread across the country. You are most likely to spot them in the Carpathian Mountains (near hiking trails), the Danube Delta, and even in the outskirts of large cities like Brașov or Sibiu.
2. Is it safe to approach a fox for a photo?
No. As our guiding principle states: wild animals are unpredictable. While foxes may look cute or even curious, they are wild predators. Approaching them can cause them stress or provoke a defensive bite. For your safety, always use a zoom lens and keep a distance of at least 20 meters.
3. Why do some foxes seem friendly and approach humans?
Foxes that approach people have usually been habituated to food. This is a dangerous situation because the animal loses its natural survival instincts. Never feed a fox, as this encourages them to hang around roads or campsites where they are at risk of accidents.
4. What should I do if a fox acts strangely or aggressively?
If you encounter a fox that shows no fear of humans, foams at the mouth, or acts aggressive, do not engage. Slowly back away and report the sighting to local forestry authorities. Rabies is rare but still exists in wild populations.
5. Are foxes protected by law in Romania?
Foxes are not an endangered species in Romania, but they are protected within National Parks and Nature Reserves where hunting is strictly regulated. They play a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations.
6. Do foxes live in groups?
Unlike wolves, foxes are solitary hunters. You will usually see them alone, except during the mating season (mid-winter) or when a mother is raising her cubs (pui de vulpe) in the spring.
