Characteristics of natal and non-natal kit fox dens in the northern Chihuahuan Desert

Authors

Penny J. Rodrick, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Nancy E. Mathews, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Abstract

We studied kit fox den characteristics of the northern McGregor Range of Fort Bliss Military Reservation, New Mexico, during 1994 and 1995. Twenty radio-collared kit foxes used 132 different dens, including 16 natal dens. Kit fox dens were located primarily in creosote-dominated habitat found in relatively flat, well-drained terrain. Natal dens were virtually indistinguishable from non-natal dens; however, natal den entrances were taller than non-natal den entrances. Entrances found at all dens were oriented more frequently toward the northwest and southeast. Kit foxes used more new dens during the breeding (January–February) and pup-rearing season (May–July) than during gestation.

Recommended Citation

Rodrick, Penny J. and Mathews, Nancy E. (1999) "Characteristics of natal and non-natal kit fox dens in the northern Chihuahuan Desert," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 59: No. 3, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol59/iss3/6