GENESEO — An apparently healthy pair of red foxes have taken up residence in the Village of Geneseo in the peak of the breeding season, shopping for morsels between street lamps, hedges and porches in the snow.

Wildlife photographer and Oak Street resident Dwight Folts said that he and his wife have spotted a fox only once in past years in the Village, and never during the day.

“We have seen a single fox in past years but never in daylight,” said Folts. “On one occasion one was spotted under our bird feeders at night in winter.”

Folts said that a small fox, maybe a female, was spotted rummaging through a compost pile late Monday morning. On Tuesday, a larger fox, maybe a male, was spotted doing the same during the late afternoon.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, fox breed from December to April, with a peak between January and February, and can mate for life.

Folts modestly posted to Facebook that the photo is not great as it was shot through a window, and will share more photos if he gets another shot.

It is a myth that any primarily nocturnal animal seen out and about in daylight is likely sick or injured. However, foxes are susceptible to rabies, mange, and several other diseases and parasites that can infect cats and dogs, and should not be approached or fed.

It is difficult to say if the foxes will stay in Geneseo for long. Especially in the winter, foxes are great travelers and can easily move where the eating is good. They can move more than 6 miles in 24 hours.