Here's a breakdown:
* Born: Fox kits are born in the spring, usually in March or April.
* Stay with mother: Kits remain in the den with their mother for several months, learning essential survival skills like hunting and foraging.
* Dispersal: Around 6-8 months old, the young foxes, now called yearlings, start to disperse and establish their own territories.
It's important to note that this is a general guideline, and the exact age at which kits leave their mothers can vary depending on factors such as:
* Species: Different fox species might have slightly different dispersal ages.
* Food availability: Abundant food resources might allow kits to stay with their mother for a bit longer.
* Competition: High competition for territory might encourage kits to leave sooner.
Overall, by the time they reach 6-8 months old, fox kits are typically ready to embark on their independent lives!