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How to Build a Fox's Home

In the United States, some species of fox are endangered due to disappearing habitat, food and human hunting. To encourage foxes to return to their normal habitats and to promote the species, it is possible to build an artificial fox home, or den. Different foxes have different specific preferences, but all foxes make their homes in tunnels with a main entrance and several escape routes. They usually enlarge an abandoned burrow from another animal, rather than building a den from scratch, so your artificial den may attract the attention of foxes.

Things You'll Need

3- to 6-foot, 20-inch diameter PVC pipe
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Research the particular species you want to attract to learn more about the species' specific preferences for a den. Each species is slightly different.
- 2
  Choose a location for the den. Foxes prefer to be close to a good water source and often like burrows with lots of surrounding grass and little other cover. Don't put the den too close to areas where humans live, as foxes can become a nuisance for humans.
- 3
  Dig a space for the pipe in the ground. You only need to bury the pipe den partially into the ground. You can use a shovel, but if you want to make a lot of dens, it may be worthwhile to rent some heavy equipment, like a backhoe.
- 4
  Set the pipe into its hole and cover it with dirt to form a mound. Do not bury one of the openings.
- 5
  Add soil carefully around the uncovered opening. Foxes are particular about the size of the entrance, which is typically only large enough for the fox and too small for predators, like coyotes. About 12 inches is a good size for the entrance.

Animals & Science