A coyote den serves as a shelter, primarily for raising young and for refuge from harsh weather or predators. Understanding their appearance provides insight into coyote behavior and habitat preferences. This article details the physical characteristics of dens, their common locations, signs of active use, and how to differentiate them from other animal burrows.
Visual Markers of a Coyote Den
A coyote den’s entrance measures 1 to 2 feet in both width and height, often appearing triangular or elongated. This opening size accommodates the coyote’s body, particularly their long legs. Around the entrance, you will often observe a large amount of excavated dirt, forming a mound or fan-shaped pile. This fresh dirt indicates recent digging or maintenance of the burrow.
The immediate area surrounding the den entrance may show a lack of dense vegetation due to the animals’ activity. Coyotes often choose locations where natural cover, such as plants or trees, helps conceal the entrance. While there isn’t a specific odor associated with coyote dens, fresh hair or claw marks running vertically near the peak of the entrance can be indicators. The den itself can extend several feet underground, reaching depths of 4 to 10 feet, with an internal chamber up to 3 feet wide.
Typical Den Locations
Coyotes select den sites that offer seclusion, protection, and good drainage. In natural environments, they often establish dens on hillsides or along ravines where the soil is sandy or loose, facilitating easier digging. Rocky outcroppings, hollowed-out trees, and areas with dense brush or under fallen logs also provide suitable natural shelters. These spots often offer elevated views or substantial cover, important for security.
In human-modified landscapes, coyotes demonstrate adaptability by utilizing abandoned structures. Dens may be found under sheds, in disused buildings, or within culverts. They can also excavate under building foundations, sidewalks, or driveways, as well as in construction sites. Coyotes primarily use dens during pup season, typically from March to June, moving their young into these secure locations for birthing and early development. Outside of this period, they generally prefer to rest in the open, under cover.
Indicators of Den Occupancy
Even if coyotes are not visible, several indirect signs can indicate an active den. Fresh tracks around the entrance are a common clue. Coyote paw prints are oval, measuring 2.5 inches long and 2 inches wide, and display four toes with visible claw marks. A distinctive “X” shape is often seen in the negative space of the track, helping differentiate them from domestic dog prints.
Another indicator is the presence of coyote scat near the den. Coyote droppings are rope-like, cigar-shaped, and tapered at one end, often containing hair and bone fragments from their diet. Coyotes often deposit scat prominently in the middle of trails or near territorial borders as a form of communication. You might also find remains of prey, such as bones, fur, or feathers, scattered around an active den, as coyotes tend to remove food remains from the den interior. Well-worn paths leading to and from the den entrance also suggest regular use.
Differentiating Coyote Dens
Distinguishing a coyote den from burrows made by other animals, such as foxes, badgers, or groundhogs, involves observing differences. Coyote den entrances are larger than those of foxes, with coyote openings measuring 12 to 14.5 inches in height compared to fox den openings of 7 to 8 inches. While a coyote den might have one or several entrances, fox dens often feature multiple entrances that can be spaced further apart. Unlike fox dens, which can have a more noticeable musky odor, coyote dens do not possess a strong scent.
Badger dens present larger, semi-lunar shaped holes that may drop almost straight down, distinct from the more gradual slope of a coyote den. Groundhog burrows, though extensive with multiple entrances and large amounts of excavated dirt, are associated with a faint urine smell and are found near food sources like gardens. Coyotes also often take over and modify existing burrows, which can make identification more challenging, but the size and associated signs point to coyote occupancy.