On This Day, 31 August 1918

Birmingham Mail

Saturday 31 August 1918

FOX IN A BIRMINGHAM TIMBER YARD

SHOT AFTER A THREE-NIGHTS’ VIGIL.

Foxes seem to have a liking for Birmingham timber yards. A few years ago an exciting hunt with terriers took place in a yard on the south side of the city, but though Reynard had several close calls he managed to save his brush by going to earth beneath a big stack of timber, which could not be removed, and from which the dogs could not dislodge him. He disappeared from the yard a few days later as silent as he came. In a timber yard on the other side of the city, and as the crow flies not more than 500 yards from the centre, another fox made his appearance this week. The night watchman saw him and reported the matter, and it was decided from a humane point of view to shoot him if possible. A gentleman, who is a good shot with a sporting gun, kept watch, but it was not until last night, the third of waiting, that he secured a chance for a shot and despatched the fox, which it is supposed must have come to the yard concealed in a boat-load of timber. Reynard’s skin is now being made into a rug.