After I had written 200 “Gardening Corner” columns, I found it difficult to remember all of the topics. When I discovered that I had written two columns on river birch in less than two years, I started to keep a running tally, which I update every two to three months. Topics are classified under headings like “Good Bugs/Bad Bugs,” and “Critters.” Now that the total number of columns has increased to more than 300, the list is more important than ever. Each week, I scan it to make sure I am not repeating myself too often.

When I checked the list this week, I discovered that I have written about moles, voles, skunks, rabbits, groundhogs, and raccoons. Squirrels and deer rated two articles apiece, but I had ignored foxes. How could that be? Foxes, with their portrayal in folklore as sly tricksters, are favorite animals of mine.

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes), once considered a European introduction, is now recognized as a North American native. Foxes range from Alaska to Florida with ...