The days of the jackal
It’s a fine time of year to be out after foxes in the frost. They’re starting to run together as the breeding season approaches and that can make for some exciting encounters at first light and in the dusk. Squeaking them in from deep grass is always a thrill and never fails to stir up memories of similar encounters that took place more than 15 years ago in the African bush.
Black-backed jackals are the South African equivalent of foxes — they’re wily, cunning and superbly adaptable. They’re just as likely to be found hunting for mice and chewing on carrion as any red fox in the world, but their extra size allows them to
