Fox Holes and Badger Dens

[Littlesparrow]

Without seeing the occupants is there a way of telling the difference between a Fox Hole and a Badger Den?

[mbaldw]

Active badger setts generally have bedding in and around the entrance (foxes don't use bedding) and, if it's a main sett, the spoil heap will usually be large; a result of generations of modification and extension. There is also usually a latrine somewhere in the near vicinity, where all members of the group will deposit scat. The entrances to badger setts also tend to be shorter and wider (like a capital 'D' on it's side). Fox earths, by contrast, tend to have less excavation with a taller, but narrower, entrance. Foxes also deposit scats in the vicinity of the earth (sometimes in the entrance to the earth) and, if there are cubs present, there will usually be prey remains and bits of plastic, shoes etc. (essentially toys for the cubs).

Of course, sometimes foxes will use abandoned badger setts or the two species may share an active sett (foxes in one bit, badgers in another).

Cheers,
Marc.

[Burko]

Stick your nose in and have a sniff, you'll soon tell if it's fox!

[Littlesparrow]

thank you both for the info. Burko gave me a laugh. The area I was thinking of has foxes and badgers so its a bit confusing, whos down which hole.

[Dorts]

When the cubs are young, foxes will leave 'carrion' at the entrance to the earth to entice the cubs out. Usually bits of 'road-kill'. I have on one occasion found a dead fox-cub at the entrance!
Dorts.

[trisenviro]

look for hairs, and paw prints and size and shape of tunnel rather than entrance!

also look for type of path/track leading away from it and scratching trees, bedding, foraging signs, latrines, hairs on wires etc..

as someone said stick your nose in.

[Dogghound]

Beware though! just to complicate matters both species often use the same site

[Littlesparrow]

I think you are right Doghound, there are both in this area of the field and over the other side there is a huge rabbit warren, more holes!

[htcdude]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Beware though! just to complicate matters both species often use the same site

You been watching Springwatch last night??

They mentioned it yesterday about them both using the same hole/sett, Chris said he knew someone who saw badgers, foxes and otters using one hole

Nige