Bad Fox (2009)

Directed by: Jan Musch, Tijs Tinbergen | 80 minutes | documentary

In the Netherlands in 2002 a total ban on hunting foxes was proclaimed. This was an excellent opportunity for the already cunning fox by nature. Previously, their numbers were limited by hunters. No longer bothered by the hunt for them, they quickly popped up in many places where they hadn’t been seen before. This not only caused a stir among farmers and hunters, but also among many conservationists who are now fighting to protect other animal species. Although they allow the fox its place in nature and consider it a beautiful and extremely intelligent animal, they also see how the fox threatens other protected animals such as meadow birds and the corn wolf (a rare hamster species in Limburg).

In 2006, the Dutch government again favored the lobby of many: fox hunting is allowed again. ‘Rotvos’ shows us in extremely beautiful and atmospheric images – and with a broad view of the interests of everyone involved in nature management – ​​the fight between man and fox. The fox naturally belongs here: does it decide for itself whether it can maintain itself here or do others decide its fate from behind their desks? Nature seems stronger than man can imagine. And conservationists are also becoming increasingly divided. It seems so simple with wildlife management. ‘Rotvos’ makes it clear in a clear way that it is many times more complicated due to the many opposing interests. ‘Rotvos’ follows the research into the fox in the grist wolf reserve in Limburg. Foxes are caught there with snares and clamps and then released again with a transmitter around their necks. This provides insight into their territory and foraging behaviour. A similar study has been set up in Waterland, where the fox is said to threaten the protected meadow birds.

The film mainly focuses on the work of fox researcher Jaap Mulder. He does a lot of fieldwork and literally roams at night and during the off-season through the groves and fields of South Limburg and the meadows of the North Holland Waterland. Jaap is like a spider in the web between the carousel of hunters, site managers and conservationists. All are concerned with nature conservation, but if one thing becomes clear in the film, it is that they all struggle with the double standards that this entails. Should you let nature take its course or has the balance been disturbed for a long time? Can we still (a little) balance these and which methods are allowed? We follow Jaap Mulder in many places and many times. In his research he uses the very latest satellite techniques and computers. But above all, he is human and during his research he also shows his human side as such. This also applies to the fighters of the fox who, for example, put the interests of the meadow birds or the corn wolf first. All of them are constantly wrestling with the question of whether and, above all, how humans are allowed to intervene. However fierce the opponents may be, they all admire the fox’s cleverness and the extent to which it continuously adapts to changed circumstances. It is precisely these aspects that are discussed extensively and often humorously, but also in a phlegmatic manner.

Many are involved in nature conservation with a great deal of personal effort and often selflessly: despite their opposing interests, they always manage to find each other and respect each other’s principles. This makes the film much more than just a beautiful film with beautiful nature shots. The considerations for possible intervention and their human side give the film just that bit more that lifts it to great heights. ‘Rotvos’ is a special mixture with a camera that sublimely ‘captures’ the atmosphere of the fieldwork. A coherent whole of beautiful images and sometimes almost philosophical discussions and conversations. At the same time, the camera soberly records the images of prey, the autopsy of a fox that had died unexpectedly and was equipped with an investigation transmitter, and the bringing back of a nest of six to two cubs by people who clearly love nature at the same time.

Filmmakers Jan Musch and Tijs Tinbergen have made a name for themselves with a large number of documentaries and short feature films for, among others, WVC, KRO, VPRO, TROS, Natuurmonumenten, World Wildlife Fund and Vogelbescherming. Due to its broad set-up, beautiful images and especially the objective imaging, the film is extremely suitable for educational purposes. In their work, confrontations between man and his environment are always central. ‘Rotvos’ is another magnificent gem in their oeuvre.