Gay foxes
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It’s also anthropomorphism to say that foxes are “friends” or “adopted brothers.” It’s also anthropomorphism to say that Calliope the mink is plotting murder that T’challa the bobcat has the IQ of a potato. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that this monogamous model may not capture the full complexity of red fox sexual behavior.
One of the most striking examples of 2SLGBTQQIA+ behavior in red foxes is the phenomenon of female-female pairing.
Through their varied and multifaceted mating behaviors, red foxes challenge us to expand our understanding of what it means to be queer in the animal kingdom.
It’s entirely possible that their relationship did not last forever. In some populations, two female foxes with existing offspring have been observed to form same-sex pair bonds, merging their families and raising their kits cooperatively. This “seasonal bisexuality,” in which males seek out same-sex partners during the non-breeding season, has been documented across red fox populations in the Northern Hemisphere.
Mulder saw that Keegan was runty and weak and often bullied by the other foxes, and started bringing him food and sharing his den with him. What astonishes us is that even among well-known species, relationships often extend beyond the conventional norms centered around reproduction. Male flamingos also engage in shared parenting as they incubate orphaned eggs, oversee hatching, and raise foster chicks.
Where it became something like a romantic relationship was when both of these fellows went through puberty. In embracing and cherishing this diversity, we honor the intricate interconnectedness that defines our shared existence.
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Foxes are VERY similar to humans in the way they have families: during or after puberty, foxes start seeking out and bonding with potential future mates.It also highlights the importance of using inclusive language and frameworks when studying animal behavior, in order to fully capture the complexity and diversity of sexual and gender identities present in the species we study.
In conclusion, the 2SLGBTQQIA+ red fox is a powerful symbol of the diversity and complexity of sexual orientation and gender identity in the natural world.
These female-female pairs display many of the same behaviors as male-female pairs, including shared territory defense, mutual grooming, and collaborative hunting.
Further research has revealed that these female-female pairs are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a broader pattern of same-sex attraction among female red foxes. Bonobo apes, too, exhibit predominantly bisexual behavior, with same-sex female relationships forming the bedrock of their social hierarchy.
Strong bonds beyond sexual dynamics
Interestingly, sexual dynamics are not the primary determinant of the strongest family bonds found in Nature.
Sociologist Myra J. Hird eloquently captured the essence of mushrooms, stating, “there are so many genders, so little time.”
Lifelong same-sex partnerships
Bottlenose dolphins, flamingos, and greylag geese establish lifelong male partnerships, sometimes even forming triads. These same-sex relationships are prevalent among approximately three-fourths of male dolphins.
Parenting responsibilities are equally distributed among two or three adults.
Embracing the beautiful diversity of Nature
Countless other species defy the conventional notions of sexuality, gender expression, kinship, and societal and family structures. Giraffes also exhibit similar behavior, establishing nursery groups for their calves.
This pair bond is often accompanied by behaviors such as shared territory defense and collaborative raising of kits.