Fox den?

[Morchella]

Definitely had a fox living under the neighbour's shed for a few years but recently this large hole has appeared at the bottom of my compost heap. Funny thing is it doesn't really seem to go far back enough to be particularly secure but does seem to be nice and dry and 'rounded' inside. Definitely no badgers around here and way too big for a hedgehog so only other explanation is my cat but I think he would be too lazy to construct such a thing when there is a warm airing cupboard as an alternative.



Any ideas?

Laura

[aeshna5]

I've seen many excavations like this by Foxes on large compost heaps. They don't ( in my personal experience) use them as dens but may lay up in them during the day. I've also often seen depressions on the top of the heaps, particularly in cold weather, where the rotting vegetation is giving the Fox some central heating!

They may also find some food while doing their digging- various grubs (lots of Rose Chafer grubs in one I'm familiar with), worms, occasionally frogs + they will also bury food items in compost heaps- human disposed food, Canada Goose eggs, bones, etc.

[Morchella]

Thanks Aeshna,

That's interesting, didn't think of the 'central heating' aspect

Laura

[Kellyn]

Hi Laura,

I'm currently working on a television documentary about urban foxes and we are looking for known urban fox dens to film at in spring this year. If your foxes are still with you it would be great to have a chat with you and/or your neighbour to see if you would be interested in getting involved.

If you are interested then you can send me an e-mail at fox@windfallfilms.com

Best wishes, Kelly