What Does The Fox Say?

I actually know now...because I chatted with one yesterday evening!  Mr Foxy (or maybe its a Mrs. or a Ms....I don't really know) was making his usual rounds in our back yard around dusk when suddenly he gave out a sharp, raspy "bark".  He was less than 50 ft. away and staring right at me.  I've seen this fox many times but this is the first time he's ever been vocal.

So I waited a few seconds and then I "barked" back at him (as best as I could anyway).  The sound is pretty eery...more like the shriek of a bobcat than anything else I can think of.   That's when he stopped dead in his tracks, turned his head around and stared straight at me, giving out another loud bark.

So I barked again.  And yes, he answered me!  We continued our "conversation" for about 10 minutes until it became too dark to see and he finally moseyed on.  I've never really talked to a wild animal before, but it was one of those holy grail kind of experiences.  Definitely top notch.

So what DOES the fox say?  These guys don't even come close.  It's still a great video though.

This one is far more accurate, even though it's about red foxes, not gray.  I'm not sure if what I heard was the alarm bark or the mating call.  In this video they sound fairly similar.

This is a picture of a tiny baby gray fox we found in our garden a few years ago.  Who knows, it may even be the same animal that's visiting us now.  I'd like to think so.  Just look at those adorable eyes!