When you think of foxes, you might think of woodland, rolling fields and winding countryside roads. However, Burnside, an inner city urban school has this year had a very fantastic visitor of its own.
In the early hours of the autumn term in 2016 school day a small peculiar guest stumbled into the grounds of Burnside. The curious fox wandered around the bird feeders hoping for a tasty treat! Later it was spotted by students looking out from windows between blocks 1 & 2. The animal was later reported to members of staff around school who took action and lured the fox into the large bike shed where they gave it some cornflakes to keep it satisfied. Staff reported that the animal was interested in many bikes as well as colourful scooters in the shed. A curious visitor indeed. A School Report member’s scooter was in there and the fox found his scooter quite fascinating, The creature came close to it since it had many colours it even thought it was a toy! 
Urban foxes are more common than you might imagine. The urban fox migrates to urban areas lured by the promise of free, easy and tasty food. They can become a real problem if they get in bins or yards as they will do anything for food. They do have a good side however, as they get rid of pests like rats and mice who eat food and carry or spread some horrible diseases and or fleas!
Although many people may believe urban foxes are a danger, they rarely attack, only if provoked. Urban foxes are fairly common and shouldn’t be classed as a danger. Indeed, they are incredibly shy and only come out at night when few people are about.
However, our Burnside visitor is always left well alone as reported sightings have been very early before students arrive at school.
Sean, a Burnside student and nearby resident, has told us that he has seen the fox near his home at Boyd Road. ‘I think there may be a family there. They are harmless and actually quite timid but I love it if we are ever lucky enough to get a glimpse of them.’
It’s not only Burnside residents that have seen the fantastic Burnside fox, teachers who come in early to plan lessons have also caught sight of the woodland creature. Miss Addison, English teacher, witnessed the fox. ‘One morning we were preparing for lessons and we heard Mr Richardson shout ‘there is a fox!’ So we all ran out to see it and we saw it wandering around the gardens looking like it was hunting for food while limping a little bit. We watched it for while after we just went back to lessons while the fox was walking around’ .
So next time, keep your eyes peeled for this fantastic fox. Burnside might be in the city but it’s a pretty wild-life too. Leaf Him alone!
Disclaimer: These images were re-enactments of the actual fox He’s far too sneaky and fast for our photographer.
By Reece, Rhys, Sean and Ahmed
