Foxes are natural diggers, a behavior deeply ingrained in their survival instincts. They engage in digging for several reasons, making it a common sight in both rural and urban environments. Understanding why foxes dig and how to identify their activity can help manage their presence around properties. This article explores their motivations and offers strategies to deter unwanted excavations.
Reasons for Digging
Foxes dig for a variety of reasons, primarily driven by their needs for shelter, food, and safety. One main motivation is den creation. Foxes dig burrows for raising their young, providing a secure place for kits to develop away from predators and harsh weather conditions. These dens can range from simple holes to elaborate underground tunnel systems.
Another common reason for digging is food caching. Foxes frequently bury excess food, such as carcasses or fruit, to store it for later consumption when resources might be scarce. They possess an excellent sense of smell, allowing them to locate these buried provisions even weeks or months later. Foxes also dig to hunt for prey that lives underground. They have a keen sense of smell, enabling them to detect earthworms, grubs, voles, and mice beneath the soil surface. This type of digging can be particularly noticeable in lawns after rain, as the ground softens and worms come closer to the surface.
Beyond sustenance, digging also serves as an escape mechanism or temporary shelter. Foxes may quickly dig a shallow hole to hide from perceived threats or to find refuge from extreme weather conditions. Fox cubs also engage in digging simply for practice, honing their natural instincts.
Identifying Fox Digging
Recognizing the signs of fox digging involves observing specific characteristics of the holes and looking for other indicators of their presence. Fox holes can vary in appearance depending on their purpose. Exploratory digging or foraging for grubs often results in shallow, wider holes, while den entrances are typically more substantial, sometimes four inches in diameter or larger. These larger holes are frequently found under sheds, decking, or near fences, where they can provide secure shelter.
Other signs can confirm fox activity. Fox tracks resemble those of small dogs, but they tend to be narrower and more symmetrical, with four toes and a triangular paw pad. Red fox tracks typically measure about 1.7 to 2.5 inches long and 1.5 to 2 inches wide, often showing claw marks. Fox scat, or droppings, is another indicator; it is usually dark, tubular, about two to three inches long, and often has pointed ends. The scat may contain fur, feathers, bones, or fruit seeds, reflecting their varied diet, and often has a distinct musky odor.
Deterring Unwanted Digging
To prevent foxes from digging in unwanted areas, humane and consistent strategies are most effective. One primary method is exclusion through physical barriers. Burying wire mesh around garden perimeters or under sheds can deter foxes from digging underneath. Fences should be tall with small openings, and the mesh should extend into the ground, bent outwards to prevent burrowing.
Removing attractants is also important. Securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids, picking up fallen fruit, and not leaving pet food outdoors eliminates easy food sources that draw foxes to a property. Using plant-based fertilizers instead of blood or bone-based ones can prevent foxes from digging in search of perceived buried carcasses. Habitat modification can make an area less appealing; clearing dense brush and blocking access to crawl spaces under structures removes potential den sites.
Repellents can also be used as part of a multi-pronged approach. Strong scents like chili powder, garlic, or citrus peels can deter foxes. Motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices emit sounds or water bursts that are irritating to foxes but generally inaudible to humans. Consistency in applying these methods is key, as foxes are intelligent and may become accustomed to single deterrents over time. Using a combination of these strategies increases the likelihood of successfully deterring unwanted digging.