Drivers warned to slow down and protect fox cubs born by the side of busy Milton Keynes grid road

Last year the verges beside the V3 Fulmer Street, between Emerson Valley and the entrance to Furzton, was adopted as home by several foxes who went on to produce babies.

One of the fox dens had at least three cubs. But sadly, one by one each cub was killed by cars travelling along the road in the early hours of the morning.

"There is now a new group of cubs and I fear the same will happen,” said one wildlife lover, who is urging motorists to look out for the foxes and adjust their speed accordingly.

“People have posted on Facebook about the cubs and to slow down, but a sign or anything to highlight the issue would help,” she said.

Drivers have reported on social media seeing the young cubs playing in the road, unaware of the danger.

According to the RSPCA, fox cubs (kits) are born in spring in litters of four to five, arriving blind, deaf, and covered in dark grey fur.

They depend on their mother’s milk for the first four weeks, emerging from the den to play and eat solid food by one month old.

The RSPCA website states: “Cubs turn red by eight weeks, become independent by autumn, and should be left alone if found as they are rarely abandoned.

“Food supply in an area will determine how large a fox territory can grow and how many foxes can live there. Foxes are hugely territorial.

“A fox family comprises of the dominant male (dog), the female (vixen) and a litter of cubs

“Foxes are scavengers and can eat many types of food. If rubbish isn't properly contained they will take anything they can eat, just as other animals will.

“Along with food waste foxes will eat large beetles, other insects, earthworms, small mammals and birds, and fallen fruit. A warm, wet night can provide hundreds of worms that are easily picked off lawns to make a good meal. They may also scavenge from bird tables or compost heaps.”