Foxes playfully surround OPP cruiser in northwestern Ont.

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Foxes block OPP cruiser in playful northwestern Ontario standoff

Captured on camera: Playful red foxes blockade police car in northwestern Ontario

Two red foxes staged a playful blockade of an Ontario Provincial Police cruiser in the northwestern Ontario community of Armstrong late last month, prompting a humorous social media post from police.

OPP shared a video on Jan. 31 showing the two foxes positioned around the stationary police vehicle in Armstrong, preventing the officer from driving away.

Text overlaid on the video by police said, “I don’t think I’m allowed to leave.”

Nature’s neighbourhood watch

The accompanying social media post adopted a playful tone.

“Foxes called for backup after spotting a suspicious police vehicle in Armstrong,” OPP wrote.

“Nature’s neighbourhood watch would like a word with the officer.”

Playful, curious canids

The red fox is one of Canada’s most widespread mammals, known for its adaptability to habitats including rural and urban areas. Parks Canada describes the animals as “playful and curious.”

These opportunistic omnivores are highly vocal, making a variety of sounds including high-pitched barks and scream-like howls. While often nocturnal, sightings during the day are not uncommon.

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