“Subordinates may glean three advantages. Firstly, they are at least in a familiar territory, rather than dispersing through potentially dangerous terrain. Secondly, they may gain experience through their ‘nannying’ that will benefit them if they should eventually have a litter of their own. And thirdly – and probably most importantly – they are in prime position to take over the territory and breeding rights should the dominant vixen die. None of this is really convincing, however; subordinates only achieve the same likelihood of breeding as foxes who establish a new territory.”