 |
Why do foxes' ears point forward? |
by Kate Simmons >> more about the author
Foxes are famous for their full tails, thin snouts and pointy ears. In fact, their ears point forward, giving them a true advantage as they hunt!
As foxes move forward to approach an animal, their ears naturally point in the direction they walk, so they can hear the softest of sounds coming from their next meal, even as they move over the ground! This ability makes their hunting all the more precise!
In fact, the hearing of foxes is so spectacular, they can pick up the sound of creatures moving underground, such as mice scurrying beneath the snow in the winter! This talent comes in handy at snack time!
It’s time to put on your super-sensing fox ears as you walk around
your backyard! First, notice the sounds around you. Can you hear birds
chirping, wind blowing or squirrels climbing up the tree? Now begin to
walk over the grass. Pay special attention to the noises you first
noticed, even as your feet create new sounds. Can you still hear the
animal and weather sounds?
Finally, notice
which noises are the loudest: the sounds in front of you, behind you or
to your sides. Do you think these sounds would still be the loudest if
your ears pointed forward?
