THE BADGER BRUISER TWINS AND A MEADOW CHASE

So Cruise, my collie cross and I have just returned from a particularly arduous Night Patrol around the combe.  The main order of business is to ensure that the blind vixen, Becbla, is fed whenever she ventures out into the meadow.  She usually positions herself strategically away from other foxes and gobbles up a chicken thigh and then runs off with another thigh before another fox or badger approaches.

Tonight was mayhem.  The two badger bruiser twins (virtually identical first year females from the same litter) burst on the scene, scattering two 'regular' foxes and, most unfortunately, Becbla.  It was going to be a long night.

Becbla circled and came back.  I threw her a thigh but no sooner had she reached it, two other foxes rushed up and snatched it from her.  Unable to defend herself, Becbla always drops the food immediately. This happened twice more and then I decided enough was enough and chased all foxes and badgers from the meadow.  Then it was a waiting game.  I turned off my head lamp (not really needed with clear skies and a virtual full moon) and crouched down.  Fifty yards away, So Cruise waited patiently.

It was over twenty minutes before Becbla cautiously ventured out.  She got  a chicken thigh and departed, eating on the run.   I managed to throw one more thigh from 30 yards away which she also got safely.

By the time we completed our Night Patrol, two hours had elapsed - a long night yes, but also a satisfying one.