The North American coyote (Canis latrans) is a highly adaptable canid that has successfully colonized almost every habitat across the continent. While coyotes do dig dens, this behavior is not a constant habit throughout the year. Coyotes utilize underground shelter only for a specific, temporary purpose: the protection and rearing of their young. Their relationship with dens is situational, reflecting their generalist survival strategy.
Den Acquisition: Digging, Renovating, or Stealing
Coyotes possess the physical capability to dig their own burrows, but they frequently prefer to conserve energy by using structures already in place. They often appropriate existing structures rather than excavating one from scratch. They take over burrows abandoned by other mammals, such as badgers, woodchucks, or foxes, and then enlarge them to suit their needs.
The pair will widen the entrance and expand the interior chamber, or sometimes simply clear out debris and old bedding material. If a pair must dig a new den, it is typically a simpler, shallower structure. These are often dug into a loose, sandy hillside or a steep bank for easy drainage.
The Purpose and Timing of Den Use
Den use is tied exclusively to the reproductive schedule of the mated pair, making it a seasonal phenomenon. The female begins preparing the den site in late winter or early spring, timed to coincide with the end of her 62- to 65-day gestation period. Whelping, or the birth of the pups, typically occurs between March and April, after which the den becomes a temporary nursery.
The den provides a safe, insulated space where the pups remain protected during their earliest weeks of life. For the first several weeks, the mother stays mostly inside the den with the litter. The male coyote, or sire, assumes a role in guarding the entrance and bringing food to the family. The family uses the den until the pups are old enough to venture out, usually by six to eight weeks of age, around late May or June.
After the pups are weaned and mobile, the family often abandons the underground structure, moving to a series of above-ground rest areas within their territory. They may occasionally use multiple dens, rotating the pups between sites to avoid a buildup of parasites or to evade perceived threats.
Structure and Location of Coyote Dens
Coyote den selection prioritizes concealment, stability, and protection from the elements. Preferred locations often include natural features like the base of a rocky outcropping, under a fallen or hollow log, or within the thick roots of a large tree. In urban and suburban settings, coyotes may adapt by digging under sheds, porches, or concrete slabs, utilizing human infrastructure for cover.
The physical structure of a den typically consists of a single main tunnel leading downward to a larger, central chamber. The chamber is usually located three to six feet below the surface, providing a stable temperature. Entrances are often small, about one to two feet in height and width, and are frequently camouflaged by dense brush or tall grasses. Some dens, particularly those used over multiple years, may feature multiple tunnels leading to secondary escape routes, minimizing the risk of a predator trapping the family inside.
Alternative Shelters and Non-Denning Habits
Outside of the three-to-four-month denning season, coyotes are largely nomadic and do not rely on fixed, underground shelters. For the rest of the year, they prefer to rest above ground in temporary, concealed locations called “beds” or “loafing areas.” These spots are chosen for their cover and proximity to foraging areas rather than for deep protection.
A coyote bed is typically a simple depression or clearing within dense vegetation, such as a thicket of brush, tall grass, or a brush pile. They rely on camouflage and their own vigilance for safety, choosing areas that offer abundant hiding cover and minimize detection.