Welcoming a Red Fox to our Tiny Forest
This spring, a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) has made a den at Tiny Forest Farm. We’ve seen glimpses of its bright rust-colored coat disappearing into the brush and heard the sharp barks and yips echoing through the early morning woods. For us, the fox’s presence is a sign of something important: a balanced, thriving ecosystem. We’ve even seen a few kits emerge and begin to explore. We feel very lucky to be so close to nature and to observe this next cycle of life. It also reminds us how important creating small pockets of habitat can be for the species around us.
A Bit About Red Foxes
Red foxes are native to Minnesota and incredibly adaptable mammals found in both rural woodlands and urban edges. Solitary and clever, they make their dens in well-hidden places—often old burrows from groundhogs or under brush piles and outbuildings. During the spring, they choose quiet, undisturbed places to raise their kits, and they’ll often return to the same area if it proves safe and abundant in food.
Foxes are omnivores, eating small rodents, insects, berries, and even fallen fruit—playing an important role in managing rodent populations and keeping ecosystems in balance. Their presence is an indicator that your land provides good cover, healthy soil, and enough prey to support a carnivore.
What to Observe—and Respect
If you’re lucky enough to have a fox den nearby:
Keep a respectful distance. Kits are vulnerable, and foxes are cautious parents. Avoid disturbing the den or leaving food out intentionally.
Look for signs like fresh tracks, small prey remains, or a well-worn path leading to the den.
Be patient. Early morning and dusk are your best chances to glimpse activity.
Foxes are generally not dangerous to people or pets, but keeping cats indoors and supervising small dogs is a good practice in any wildlife-rich area.
What the Presence of a Fox Might Tell You
Seeing a fox in your garden or woodlot is often a sign of:
A healthy prey base (like voles, mice, and rabbits)
Minimal chemical use, allowing for a biodiverse landscape
Ample cover, including native grasses, shrubs, and logs that offer protection and denning materials
In many ways, the fox is a reward for working with the land, not against it.
How to Invite Wildlife to Your Yard
You don’t need a forest to welcome wildlife—just a willingness to create habitat. Here are a few ways to start:
Plant native species that offer food and cover
Leave brush piles or log stacks for shelter
Add a water source like a shallow birdbath or small pond
Avoid pesticides, which harm both prey animals and pollinators
Certify your yard as a wildlife habitat, like we did with the National Wildlife Federation
Closing Thoughts
The fox at Tiny Forest Farm is a quiet reminder of what’s possible when we design spaces with the whole web of life in mind. Whether you have a half-acre suburban lot or a full woodland, every space can be a refuge. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, that refuge might just attract a wild visitor of your own.