Choice of resting sites by female foxes Vulpes vulpes in a mountainous habitat

Abstract

The resting sites of seven radio-tracked red fox vixens were determined in the Swiss Jura mountains. During their nocturnal active period, foxes rested above ground near their foraging areas. In daytime, some foxes always used dens in areas with little cover; other individuals often rested above ground when cover was abundant. Weather did not influence choice of the resting place, except in extreme conditions. Each fox used several resting places, sometimes moving from one to another during the day, especially when lying above ground. -Authors