Mr Stakauskas, who calls the fox Paw because of a white mark on one paw, said he had been photographing him for a couple of years. During this time, we have achieved mutual understanding and trust.
The photographer, who is originally from Lithuania, also explained how the fox was very cautious at first. He said: ‘Our story with the foxes started when we moved to the suburb of London. We noticed that foxes were visiting our back garden in the late afternoon and we decided to try our luck to photograph them. To do so we had to use camouflage netting and clothes. Even then foxes were very cautious and most of the time used to run away from any slightest movement. Except one which was rather brave and curious. He didn’t seem bothered too much by our presence and gave the impression that he enjoys our company.' ‘Sometimes he used to come very close and investigated our equipment; even he used to poke his nose to the camera lens so that it was not possible to focus and capture the image.'
Mr Stakauskas said the fox would sleep under a bush or sniff the flowers as he worked in the garden. Paw became so calm and relaxed that he even used to fall asleep in front of the camera.
‘We consider ourselves very lucky to be able to observe such a fascinating and interesting animal as the Red Fox from such a close distance.
‘The feeling that the animal trusts you is very special.’