Do foxes attack fawns? Walnut Creek family wants to know

A topic of conversation at our most recent family Thanksgiving dinner involved this question: Can a fox attack a baby deer?

I know what you’re probably thinking that this family is nuts and you might be right, but a McDonald’s Happy Meal is riding on the answer.

— Vicki Theotonio,

Walnut Creek

DEAR VICKI >> At long last, I get to say a public thankyou to my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Perea, who not only encouraged me to become a writer but taught me a valuable lesson about the difference between would and could, which is at the heart of the answer to your question.

Could a fox attack a fawn? Yes.

Would a fox attack a fawn? Unlikely.

Foxes are not large animals, ranking somewhere between a robust house cat and a medium-sized dog. Their survival depends on a lot of things, primarily the attainment of food. To ensure success — killing their prey and not extending an excessive amount of energy-wasting effort — they go for animals that are smaller than they are. Any animals, including wandering cats, that fit into their visual definition of “prey” become targets. That’s why foxes don’t hunt humans. We’re too big to be seen as prey.

Foxes are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of things, including squirrels, rabbits, rodents, fruit and berries, insects, bird eggs and fish.

A fawn is sort of borderline on the prey scale. A very small fawn might register as prey, but it still could be difficult for the fox to bring it down and kill it. And let’s not forget that mama deer is probably nearby.

I think my answer might have stirred another family debate over semantics. On the upside, the Happy Meal toys this month are from the new Disney movie “Encanto.” And Mr. Perea would be proud.

DEAR JOAN >> Recently you wrote about keeping a new kitten warm and recommended getting a heated bed or heating pad.

We have a senior kitty who we would like to keep warmer at night. She is getting frail and has lost some weight. We would appreciate it if you have any recommendations for where to find a good heated bed. We have an electric heating pad, but are uncomfortable with the idea of just turning it on and then going to bed, hoping it won’t start a fire or something.

— Dennis B., Sunnyvale

DEAR DENNIS >> Using a heating pad intended for relieving the aches and pains of humans is not a good idea for pets. They could chew or pee on it, which could result in a serious shock. Most importantly, they don’t have those handy thumbs and the ability to turn the heating pad off or lower the temperature should they get too hot.

There are many companies that offer pet-safe alternatives in a range of prices. Some are flat, padded mats, and some are complete beds with cozy, comfy padding. Some activate when your cat gets on them, and others can be as simple as microwaving a disk that then goes in their existing bed.

I can’t recommend any, as I’ve never tried them out, but if you search for indoor heated pet beds on Amazon, your eyes will glaze over from the vast array of choices.