* Territory Marking is Dynamic: Foxes, like many animals, constantly adjust their territorial marking behavior depending on factors like:
* Season: Marking is often more intense during breeding season to attract mates and defend pups.
* Food Availability: If food is abundant, foxes may mark less as the need to defend resources is lower.
* Presence of Rivals: Increased activity from neighboring foxes or other predators will lead to more frequent and vigorous marking.
* Age and Gender: Younger foxes might mark less extensively compared to older, dominant males.
* Individual Personality: Some foxes may be naturally more territorial than others.
* Shifting Boundaries: Territory boundaries can change over time as resources fluctuate or new individuals enter the area. This means a fox might mark a different area more frequently, appearing to "stop" marking the old one.
* Urine and Scent Marking: Foxes primarily use urine and feces to mark their territory, and these scent signals degrade over time. So, even if a fox continues to mark, the scent might become less noticeable.
Instead of "stopping," foxes may:
* Reduce the frequency of marking: They might mark less often if resources are plentiful or if there are fewer threats.
* Shift their marking locations: They might focus on marking areas with high resource value or around key access points.
* Use different marking strategies: Besides urine and feces, foxes also use scent glands on their feet and face to leave behind olfactory signals. They might use these methods more frequently in areas where urine and feces are less effective.
In conclusion: It's not accurate to say that foxes "stop" marking their territory. Their marking behavior is complex and dynamic, adapting to changing conditions and internal factors. Instead of stopping, they may simply adjust the frequency, location, and methods of marking depending on the circumstances.