Valentine's day may have passed already, but love is still clearly in the air. We see it everywhere in nature - whether it's heartwarming friendships building between different species, whether it's animal families showing love to each other, or, if we're lucky, we may have a pet at home showing affection to us. Love is always there in the animal world, and we always love to see it and celebrate it. And we're not the only ones.
Right in time for Valentine's Day, as reported by PetaPixel, the nature and wildlife photographer Roeselien Raimond, has released a beautiful series of pictures of foxes in love. These photos are full of foxes showing affection and tenderness to one another. It's a collection of wholesomeness and love, and we hope that it makes you as happy as it did us.
"We all need love, hugs, and kisses, and so do foxes," Raimond said. "In fairy tales, foxes are known to be cunning and sly. Fairy tales indeed! You'd better replace these words with 'sociable, loving, caring and cuddly'. I never thought wild animals could be so affectionate, but they are."
For over a decade, Raimond has been capturing incredibly impressive photos of foxes; they are clearly her favorite wildlife subject. She has followed the animals across different seasons and environments, and had, over time, become very familiar with the foxes' different appearances and personalities.
One of the behaviors that she has documented that can be clearly seen here is nuzzling and snuggling - between dogs and vixens, siblings, and parents and children. Foxes seem to be incredibly affectionate creatures. "Foxes are very gentle and sociable animals, which will take any excuse for a good old cuddle session," Raimond says. "Haven't seen each other for an hour? Time for a hug!"
"A tick in the ear of a fellow fox? The perfect excuse for a cuddle… erm… cleaning session," she continues. "A moment off? A great opportunity to tidy up the fur of a colleague fox. A mutual conflict? Ears flat, wag that tail like crazy, hug like there's no tomorrow and…. problem solved!"
"In other words: foxes are huge cuddlebugs," Raimond explains. "This applies to the 'romantic love' between dog fox and vixen, as well as brother, sister and parental love." She adds: "Particularly the love for very young foxes is limitless. In the first months of their lives, a mother fox showers her fox kits with love and care."
"Foxes understand the importance of being kind, of treating others the way you want to be treated. Should we humans follow their lead, the world would be a much better place!" Not only are her photographs wonderful, but the message is great as well. We should all love one another more. Happy belated Valentine's Day!
For a weekly dose of animal-themed community challenges - Subscribe to our Newsletter!
Can't get enough of ICanHasCheezburger? Find us on Instagram!
For a weekly dose of animal-themed community challenges - Subscribe to our Newsletter!
Can't get enough of ICanHasCheezburger? Find us on Instagram!