Have you ever encountered a den in the woods and wondered if it belonged to a coyote or a fox?

Differentiating between a coyote den and a fox den can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for.

This post illustrates the differences between coyote and fox dens in terms of size, location, scent, and other key features.

Readers will learn to distinguish between them on their next nature walk.

Why Coyotes and Foxes Build Different Dens

Think of coyotes as the messy roommates of the wild – they’re social, mark their territory heavily, and aren’t too worried about keeping things tidy.

These pack animals prefer remote spots away from humans and build temporary homes mainly for raising pups.

Foxes are the complete opposite. They’re like neat homeowners who maintain the same house for years.

These smaller, more solitary animals actually don’t mind living near humans and take pride in keeping their dens clean and organized.

Differences Between a Coyote’s Den and a Fox’s Den

Understanding the detailed characteristics of both coyote and fox dens helps nature enthusiasts identify them correctly in the wild.

1. Entrance Size

The most obvious difference between these two animal homes is the entrance size. Coyote den openings measure 1-2 feet in width, creating a much larger doorway than what foxes need.

Fox Den Entrances Remain Quite Modest in Comparison:

• Only 6-8 inches across at most
• Often appear as neat, almost perfect circles
• Just large enough for an adult fox to slip through
• Sometimes hidden by surrounding vegetation

A quick way to tell which animal lives inside: if you can fit your head inside the entrance, it’s likely a coyote den. If the opening seems too small for that, you’ve probably found a fox home.

2. Tunnel

Here’s a table reflecting key differences between coyotes’ and foxes’ tunnels:

3. Number of Exits

Coyotes plan for emergencies by creating multiple escape routes from their dens. This smart design provides them with options when danger arises.

A Typical Coyote Den Includes:

• One main entrance is used regularly
• 2-4 additional exit holes placed strategically
• Emergency exits that might be partially hidden
• Escape routes facing different directions

Fox Dens Show a Different Approach to Safety:

• Usually features just one main entrance
• May have a secondary exit, but often don’t
• Rely more on the den location for protection
• Depending on their speed, rather than multiple escape paths

This difference reflects each animal’s survival strategy. Coyotes prepare multiple options, while foxes focus on stealth and staying hidden.

4. Cleanliness

The area around a fox den often tells a story of tidiness. These smaller canids maintain cleaner living spaces with:

• Less scattered soil around the entrance
• Fewer visible dig marks
• Minimal debris near openings
• A more organized appearance overall

Coyote dens present a different picture. The areas surrounding their homes typically show:

• More disturbed soil spread widely around openings
• Clear signs of digging activity
• Scattered materials from the excavation process
• A generally messier appearance

This contrast in cleanliness might stem from foxes’ more permanent den usage compared to coyotes’ seasonal occupation pattern.

5. Location

The location choices for these dens reveal a great deal about each animal’s comfort level around humans.

Coyote Den Locations:

Coyotes prefer building their homes away from regular human traffic. They select spots that offer:

• Distance from human settlements
• Good visibility of surroundings
• Natural cover, like hillsides or thick brush
• Access to hunting grounds
• Minimal human disturbance

Fox Den Locations:

Foxes show more adaptability to human presence, often selecting sites that:

• May be surprisingly close to human structures
• Sometimes appear under sheds, porches, or outbuildings
• Offer excellent concealment rather than wide views
• Provide quick access to food sources like gardens or chicken coops
• Balance protection with proximity to hunting areas

This location difference highlights foxes’ greater comfort with human proximity compared to coyotes, which are more wary.

6. Food Remains

The evidence of meals tells a clear story about den occupants. Coyote den surroundings often feature:

• Scattered bones from larger prey
• Fur tufts from recent meals
• Various animal remains in different stages of consumption
• More obvious signs of feeding activity

In contrast, fox den areas show:

• Fewer visible food remains
• Smaller prey leftovers when present
• Less obvious evidence of feeding
• Cleaner overall appearance near the entrance

These Differences Stem From:

• Coyotes’ larger size and greater food needs
• Different hunting patterns between the species
• Foxes’ tendency to be more careful about attracting attention
• Coyotes’ habit of bringing larger prey items back to their den areas

7. Scent Strength

One of the most telling differences becomes apparent through smell, although this requires getting somewhat close to the den.

The stronger smell around coyote dens relates to their:

• Larger family groups using the same den
• Less fastidious bathroom habits
• Tendency to mark territory more heavily
• Larger body size produces stronger scents

8. Year-Round Usage

Foxes maintain a closer relationship with their dens throughout the year. Their usage pattern includes:

• Regular occupation across seasons
• Consistent use of sleeping and shelter
• Year-round maintenance and upkeep
• Returning to the same den nightly

Coyotes show a more seasonal approach to den usage:

• Heavy use during the spring breeding season
• The primary purpose of the nurseries is for pups
• Adult coyotes often sleep in the open rather than in dens
• Limited use during non-breeding months
• May abandon dens completely outside of pup-raising periods

This difference reveals how foxes perceive dens as permanent homes, whereas coyotes view them more as temporary nurseries.

9. Den Reuse

The longevity of den usage varies significantly between these animals:

Fox Den Reuse:

• Often occupy the same den for multiple years
• Continuously improve and maintain their homes
• May use the same den for generations
• Invest time in upkeep rather than building new dens
• Show attachment to successful den sites

Coyote Den Reuse:

• More frequently dig new dens each season
• May return to previous sites but often create fresh burrows
• Less investment in long-term den maintenance
• More likely to abandon dens if disturbed
• Display less site fidelity than foxes

This pattern suggests foxes take a more settled approach to their homes, while coyotes maintain flexibility in their living arrangements.

10. Surrounding Tracks

The animal prints found around den entrances provide clear identification clues:

Coyote Tracks Show:

• Larger size (2-3 inches long)
• Dog-like appearance with visible claw marks
• Less oval shape than fox prints
• More splayed toes
• Deeper impressions in the soil due to greater weight

Fox Tracks Reveal:

• Smaller size (1-2 inches long)
• More compact, oval shape
• Straight-line walking pattern (“perfect registration”)
• Narrower overall print
• Fewer visible claw marks than coyotes

Pay special attention to the walking pattern. Foxes often place their back feet almost perfectly in the prints made by their front feet, creating a straight-line pattern that resembles single prints in a row.

Coyotes typically exhibit a more staggered pattern, with separate front and back prints.

Fun Facts About Coyotes and Foxes

Here’s the same content in a more organized format, breaking it down into sections for each animal and comparison:

Fun Facts About Coyotes

• Can run up to 40 mph when chasing prey
• Howl can be heard up to 3 miles away
• Mate for life
• Can jump fences up to 8 feet tall
• Eat almost anything, including fruits, insects, and small mammals
• Can consume up to 40% of its body weight in a single meal
• Expanded its range across North America

Fun Facts About Foxes

• Whiskers on legs help them navigate in the dark
• Can hear small animals underground
• Can climb trees
• Baby foxes are called kits or pups
• Foxes make over 40 different sounds to communicate
• Pounce accurately to catch mice under the snow
• Some foxes live in family groups, where older siblings help raise pups

Comparison Facts

• Coyotes are heavier (20-50 lbs) than foxes (7-15 lbs)
• Foxes hunt alone, coyotes hunt in groups
• Foxes adapted to urban life before coyotes
• Foxes are better at hearing low-frequency sounds, while coyotes excel at high-pitched sounds

Conclusion

Now that you know the key differences between a coyote den and vs. fox den, spotting them in the wild should be easier.

Next time you’re walking in nature and spot a hole that might be a den, check for these telltale signs. Inspect the entrance size, look for tracks, and note the cleanliness of the area.

These clues will help you figure out whether a fox or a coyote calls that place home.