A fox den, often called an earth or burrow, is a complex underground sanctuary for these adaptable animals. It serves as a secure space for rest, refuge from weather and predators, and a protected environment for raising their young. These hidden homes are fundamental to a fox’s survival, especially during the vulnerable period when kits are born and growing.
External Appearance and Common Locations
The entrance is typically a circular or oval-shaped hole, measuring approximately 7 to 12 inches in diameter. Many dens feature multiple entrances, which serve as alternative escape routes if danger approaches. Around the entrance, freshly excavated dirt, often called a spoil heap or throw mound, may be visible, indicating recent activity and appearing somewhat trampled from repeated use.
Foxes frequently adapt existing underground structures. They often take over abandoned burrows created by other animals such as badgers, rabbits, or groundhogs. Natural features like rock crevices, hollow logs, or spaces beneath tree roots are also commonly utilized. Dens are found in diverse habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, and open fields, often in areas with good drainage and ample cover, such as on slopes or under dense vegetation. Even in urban environments, foxes create dens under sheds, porches, or in isolated spots within gardens.
Internal Layout and Function
A fox den is a sophisticated network of tunnels and chambers. Tunnels typically descend at an angle of 40 to 45 degrees, varying in length but potentially extending from 10 to 75 feet. These winding passages connect to various chambers, each serving a distinct purpose within the den’s architecture.
A primary chamber functions as the nursery, providing a secure space for the vixen (female fox) to give birth and raise her kits. Other smaller chambers may serve as resting areas for adult foxes. Foxes also dig out specific areas within the den for food storage. Multiple escape tunnels offer protection from predators and insulate the occupants from harsh weather conditions, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. Foxes generally maintain a clean den, often depositing waste materials outside the main living area in designated latrines.
Signs of Occupancy
Active fox dens show several indirect signs of recent presence. Well-worn paths leading to and from the den entrances are a common indicator. Fresh tracks in the surrounding soil can also confirm activity.
The presence of fox scat near the den is another clear sign. Fox scat is typically dark, twisted, and pointed at the ends, often containing remnants of hair, bones, or fruit seeds. Foxes may also leave scattered prey remains, such as feathers, fur, or small bones, near the den opening. A distinct musky odor may also be detectable around an active den, particularly during the breeding season. An abandoned den, in contrast, often shows signs of disuse like cobwebs in the entrance, leaf litter accumulation, or overgrown vegetation.