On a crisp winter morning, a young naturalist named Jasmine embarked on a walk through the woods behind her home in Bristol. The ground was frosty, crunching underfoot, while golden beams of sunlight illuminated the path. These woods are teeming with wildlife, from deer and squirrels to the occasional kingfisher by the brook, but Jasmine decided to venture higher up the slopes, an area she had never explored before.
A Surprising Find in the Leaf Litter
As Jasmine scanned the leaf litter, something unusual caught her eye. Initially, it appeared to be a pile of broken stones, but upon closer inspection, she realized it was an animal skull, partially decomposed. With her parents' permission, she took it home for identification, eager to uncover its origins.
Identifying the Skull as a Fox
Jasmine suspected it was an adult fox skull due to its long, slender snout and precise length of 14 centimeters. Further examination revealed 42 teeth, including incisors indicative of a meat-eating diet, confirming her hypothesis. Research revealed that foxes are common in English cities, with Bristol boasting the third-largest urban fox population in the UK—approximately 16 foxes per square kilometer, compared to just two in rural areas.
Joining a Cabinet of Curiosities
The fox skull now resides in a family "cabinet of curiosities" downstairs, alongside an array of feathers and fossils collected by Jasmine and her sister. This collection showcases their shared passion for natural history and exploration.
Jasmine's discovery highlights the rich biodiversity in urban woodlands and the joy of hands-on learning. Her story, part of the Young Country Diary series, inspires others to explore their local environments and appreciate the wonders of wildlife.
