You have no idea how many animals live in the forest’s soil! Believe us when we say that these animals feel very safe in the dark and they are very comfortable there. The soil is always moist and it doesn’t get too hot in the summer. In the winter, the ground only freezes a few centimeters deep because of tiny creatures working under its surface. Underground paths are made by earthworms and organic matter is often broken down by tiny spider mites. Constructing a burrow requires a lot of hard work from the animals that build it, which is why sometimes that can even be used for over 100 years!

The Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) does not like the winter cold and therefore lives in an underground burrow, also known as fox den. There the fox can raise its offspring without the fear that other animals will hunt or hurt them. A fox’s den can be up to 10 meters long and, for safety reasons, can have several entrances and exits. Oftentimes, foxes don’t feel like digging their own dens so they rely on the kindness of badgers to let them use their homes. Badgers are larger and heavier than foxes, making the badger corridors more easily accessible for foxes.

The European badger (Meles meles) has gray fur with black and white stripes on its face. It also has strong arms and legs and long claws, making digging easier. The badger is a real neat-freak. In its burrow, it builds holes that serve as bathrooms, i.e. chambers intended exclusively for when “mother nature calls.” Badgers are omnivores that are active at night but they eagerly sleep through the winter in their burrows. They don’t eat much during this time. Once the spring comes, they wake up very hungry!

Forest Fun Fact

How can you check if a burrow is inhabited? It’s easy! The giveaway is freshly dug up soil in front of it. If you are lucky, you might even find animal tracks nearby. We wonder whose? A fox’s tracks? Or maybe a badger’s?