Fox behavior around deer food

[Reynold Greenleaf]

I usually keep a block of deer chow (compressed grain, etc.) at the edge of my back yard to keep our furry friends happy.  Yesterday I observed a gray fox at the block.  He stayed for a couple of minutes, rubbing himself all over/around the block.  His behavior reminded me of a cat around catnip.  It did not look like a simple case of "territory marking" to me--more like playing, but I am no expert on fox behavior.

Has anyone observed anything similar?

Thanks.

[n.c.swamp buck]

i know if the feed includes grain and stuff you will get mice and other rodents.maybe thats why thay are hanging around.

[Reynold Greenleaf]

Thanks for the idea.

I could see how the fox might want to be on the lookout for rodents (squirrels use the block in addition to deer), but it was doing a lot more than that.  It would rub its neck and shoulders against the sides of the block, then climb up on top and roll around.  The "catnip" analogy in my original post is the best way I can think of to describe the behavior.

[Otto]

I have trailcam photo's of a red fox taking a wiz on a mineral block.

The deer lick it anyway.

Disgusting......

[James Wrenn]

I have shot several foxes eating corn from a feeder.I have also watched foxes chase deer away from corn as well.One cost me a shot at a very nice buck several years ago.They will lay down and wallow in a pile of corn or grain.

[Bill Skinner]

Canides and canines have glands at the corner of their eyes and they use those to mark things of particular intrest.  He was probably scent marking your block.  Bill