A homeowner in Scotland has identified an unlikely culprit behind weeks of missing milk deliveries: a young fox.
Gordon Campbell, who lives near Glasgow, Scotland, began setting up a security camera after his milk bottles repeatedly vanished from his doorstep. The footage revealed a young fox repeatedly visiting his home, taking the milk bottles in its mouth and carrying them away.
Campbell had been receiving milk deliveries since the COVID-19 pandemic but stopped the service due to the recurring thefts. Initially, he suspected a human was responsible and even jokingly speculated it might be a "militant vegan" before the camera revealed the true thief. He also considered magpies, noting their intelligence, but determined they likely lacked the strength to move a full bottle.
The Milk Thief Unmasked
Campbell set up what he described as a "sting operation," placing a spare, full milk bottle outside his home and positioning a camera to record the area. Within hours, the plan was successful. Shortly after 2:30 a.m. on July 20, the fox appeared on camera, retrieved a glass milk bottle, and carried it off.
"I just thought it was kind of hilarious that this ... cute fox was popping up and taking it away," Campbell told SWNS. "All was forgiven when I saw its big ears and its wee face."
Campbell indicated he might resume his milk deliveries but plans to implement a protective box to secure the bottles from future pilfering. The fox had been seen in the area before; Campbell’s cat had previously chased another fox away from the house.