A fox den, often referred to as an earth or burrow, serves as an underground sanctuary for foxes, primarily for raising their young, known as kits, and for storing food. While foxes do not typically reside in their dens year-round, these subterranean structures provide shelter from harsh weather and protection from predators. Dens are an integral part of a fox’s life cycle, particularly during the breeding season when vixens require a secure space for birth and early development of litters.
Key Features of a Fox Den
The entrance to a fox den appears as a simple hole in the ground, but has specific characteristics distinguishing it from other burrows. These openings are generally oval or rounded, measuring approximately 6 to 12 inches in diameter. The entrance often leads into a sloped tunnel, serving as a ramp into the den system.
Around the den entrance, a mound of excavated dirt, sometimes called a “throw mound” or “spoil heap,” is often present. This excavated soil can form a fan-like or crescent shape, or a linear berm extending from the opening. Active dens may also feature visible pathways or compacted soil leading to and from the entrance.
Where Foxes Build Their Dens
Foxes exhibit adaptability in their choice of den locations, utilizing environments from rural to urban settings. In natural landscapes, they construct dens in woodlands, dense brush, hedgerows, and on sloping ground or earth banks. They may also adapt existing structures such as hollow logs, rock crevices, or take over abandoned burrows dug by other animals.
In suburban and urban areas, foxes often create dens under sheds, decks, porches, or within railway embankments. Factors influencing their choice include good drainage, adequate cover, and proximity to food sources. Foxes sometimes inherit dens from previous generations, which can lead to larger, more complex den systems.
Identifying an Active Fox Den
Identifying an active fox den involves observing several signs beyond the physical structure. Fresh tracks, resembling those of a small dog but more narrow with visible claw marks, may be found in soft soil or mud around the den entrance. Fox droppings, known as scat, are another indicator; they are dark, twisted, and pointed at one end, often containing fur, feathers, or seeds. While adult foxes usually establish latrine sites some distance from the den to maintain hygiene and avoid attracting predators, scat might occasionally be found closer to the entrance, especially during pup-rearing.
A musky odor, noticeable during breeding season, can emanate from an active den due to fox scent marking. The den entrance often appears well-used, with compacted soil and a lack of vegetation growing directly in the opening. An abandoned den may show overgrown vegetation or spiderwebs. Discarded prey remains, such as bones or feathers, may also accumulate near the entrance, especially when kits are present.