Urocyonology (LITTLE GRAY FOXES) with Bill Leikam

Wed May 28 2025

Bushy tails! Stinky butts! Faces so cute you weep! Let’s talk foxes – specifically the little grey ones you never knew you loved. Fox behavioral expert, researcher, conservationist, author of “The Road to Fox Hollow” and Urocynologist Bill Leikam chats about fuzzy foxes, baby names, parental strategies, where they live, what they eat, advice for potential pet owners, how to observe foxes, how tiny foxes wound up on islands, which foxes need conservation, Silicon Valley foxes, and why a fox on the couch is worth 1000 in the bush. Also: what do they smell like? And what do they say?

Transcript

Alie Ward (0:00)

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Summary

Ologies with Alie Ward: Urocynology (Little Grey Foxes) with Bill Lecom

Release Date: May 28, 2025

In this captivating episode of Ologies with Alie Ward, humorist and science correspondent Alie Ward delves into the fascinating world of uflinary, focusing on the enigmatic gray foxes. Joined by renowned eurocynologist and conservationist Bill Lecom, the conversation traverses the intricate behaviors, social structures, and conservation challenges facing these unique canids.

Introduction to Urocynology and the Gray Fox

Alie Ward introduces Bill Lecom, affectionately known as "the Fox Guy," highlighting his extensive work with gray foxes. Bill’s passion is evident as he explains his focus:

Bill Lecom [04:34]: "My specialty is the gray fox. And it's the most unique fox of all of them."

Bill emphasizes the gray fox's significance as the basal canid, making it genetically older than wolves and jackals, positioning it as a root species among canids.

Gray Foxes: Canine or Feline?

A central discussion point revolves around whether foxes are more akin to dogs or cats. Bill elaborates:

Bill Lecom [05:20]: "They're more like cats. I sometimes call them the canine that acts like a feline."

Gray foxes exhibit behaviors typically associated with felines, such as stalking prey and climbing trees, distinguishing them from their red fox counterparts.

Domestication and Pet Foxes

Alie probes into the rarity of pet foxes compared to dogs and cats. Bill shares his perspective on the natural habitat instincts of foxes:

Bill Lecom [06:15]: "They are in fact meant to be in the wild, not to be captive in your home."

He outlines the challenges of keeping foxes as pets, including their destructive tendencies and dietary needs, emphasizing that they thrive best in their natural environments.

Vocalizations and Communication

The conversation shifts to the unique vocalizations of gray foxes. Bill recounts an encounter that highlighted their communication:

Bill Lecom [22:17]: "I've never heard a fox bark in all my life."

He describes a gray fox's bark as resembling someone with laryngitis, adding a personal touch to the scientific observation.

Social Structure and Reproduction

Bill delves into the social dynamics of gray foxes, explaining their monogamous and polyandrous behaviors:

Bill Lecom [28:12]: "They are not a pack. They are a family unit."

He discusses the reproductive strategies, including multiple paternities within litters, which enhance genetic diversity and survivability.

Conservation Challenges: Canine Distemper

A poignant segment addresses the impact of canine distemper on gray fox populations. Bill shares his emotional experience witnessing the devastating effects:

Bill Lecom [70:29]: "In November, December of 2016, all 25 foxes were wiped out."

Despite ongoing research, prevention remains challenging, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these elusive creatures.

Urban Interaction and Coexistence

Alie and Bill explore the increasing interactions between gray foxes and urban environments. Bill offers practical advice for coexistence:

Bill Lecom [66:44]: "With more and more of that coming in and more and more the foxes showing up in your backyard at night usually is a good thing."

He emphasizes the ecological benefits of gray foxes, particularly their role in controlling rodent populations, advocating for humane measures to manage wildlife interactions.

Personal Anecdotes and Observations

Throughout the episode, Bill shares heartfelt stories from his fieldwork, bringing the gray foxes' world to life. From naming individual foxes to witnessing their intricate social interactions, his narratives provide a deep, personal connection to the subject matter.

Bill Lecom [77:09]: "I've always said that the gray foxes and I can expand it out into a lot of other wildlife. Are my professors. And I'm a grad student in their course and I'm being taught by them what they are all about."

Favorite Aspects of Studying Gray Foxes

When asked about his favorite aspects, Bill humbly reflects on his contributions:

Bill Lecom [75:43]: "I'm just documenting, putting down notes, moving it over into my log. And that log now is well over 2 million words."

His dedication underscores the importance of detailed observation and documentation in understanding and conserving wildlife.

Conclusion and Future Endeavors

The episode concludes with Alie expressing her admiration for Bill and the gray foxes, promising future episodes dedicated to different fox species. Listeners are encouraged to explore more through Bill’s book, "The Road to Fox Hollow," and support conservation efforts via the Urban Wildlife Research Project.

Notable Quotes:

Bill Lecom [05:58]: "Gray fox will eat anything except they don't like feathered small birds."
Bill Lecom [27:21]: "It's still out there and it's still a danger to them all."
Bill Lecom [66:44]: "You'll have a good, balanced ecosystem. And as long as we can keep that going, we're okay around here."

Supporting Resources

Book: The Road to Fox Hollow by Bill Lecom
Nonprofit: Urban Wildlife Research Project
Newsletter: Subscribe to Bill’s newsletter for updates and insights on gray foxes and other wildlife.

This episode offers an in-depth exploration of gray foxes, blending scientific insight with personal storytelling, and underscores the critical need for conservation efforts to preserve these remarkable creatures for future generations.