THE SILVER FOX OR VAAL JAKHALS 
are so thick and thorny that only animals of slender 
build are able to creep in under them. 
The deserted holes of Aard Varks, when available, 
are taken possession of by Silver Foxes. In these, 
or in burrows excavated by themselves, the young 
are born and reared. A common custom of this 
fox is to enlarge the deserted burrows of Spring- 
hares, and other animals whose holes are too small 
for the requirements of the Silver Fox. 
This fox is rarely seen by man, owing to its noc- 
turnal habits, its timid, wary, and secretive disposi- 
tion, and its yellowish fur, which blends so closely 
with its surroundings. For these reasons, and the 
fact that it does not molest domestic animals in any 
way, comparatively little is known of its habits. 
From the nature of the country it inhabits, 
combined with its extremely timid character, there 
can be no doubt but that rats, mice, lizards, 
insects, berries and bulbs constitute its chief diet. 
In captivity it soon becomes tame, but retains its 
timid nature. The slightest noise of an unusual 
kind will cause it to start convulsively. The sudden 
apparition of a dog sends it into an extremity of fear. 
The Silver Fox usually produces its litter of pups ‘ 
at the side of or under a stunted shrub on the open, 
dry, sun-baked veld. 
One which I had in captivity ate freely of a mixed 
diet, consisting of most of the usual foodstuffs eaten 
by man. 
Fruit, boiled bread and milk, mincemeat, and 
Tt : 
