In Offaly farmers and foxes have become improbable COVID-19 companions.
There are an estimated 200,000 foxes in Ireland. As Ireland's only wild dog, they are opportunistic hunters that will quickly adapt to any new source of food. Due to the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, some unusual friendships have developed between several Offaly farmers and wild foxes.
Since the restrictions came into force, 90-year old retired dairy farmer Tony Bergin has been cocooning at home in south Offaly. Every evening after his tea, Tony Bergin brings food out to feed the fox he has named Covi after the virus that forged their relationship. The bond has developed to the point that the fox now takes food from a plate on his lap.
I get great enjoyment out of this thing. I’d be looking forward to every evening. It’s fascinating to study him; I’m thrilled that it did happen.
Near Shannon Harbour, organic farmer Martin Guinan is raising two orphaned fox cubs. He has been feeding them three times daily for the past two months. Before the COVID-19 restrictions, Martin Guinan is not sure if he would have even noticed the cubs, let alone had time to feed them. He thinks the restrictions give people a chance to slow down so they can appreciate nature and their surroundings.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 28 May 2020. The reporter is Tomás O Mainnín.
