Nesting / Animal Homes

Many animals build elaborate homes to live in.

Burrows

• Are holes and tunnels dug underground by animals
• Burrows can range from simple tubes, to complex networks of tunnels and chambers
• Many animals burrow, including rabbits, moles, ants, reptiles and even penguins!

Dens

• A type of burrow, but is usually larger
• Dens can also be used by animals to hibernate for the winter
• Animals use dens include coyotes, lions, bears and foxes

Nests

• Nest are used to hold animal’s eggs, but can also be a place to rest and to raise offspring
• Nests tend to be made out of organic material, like twigs, grass and leaves, but sometimes can be made out of weirder things like string, hair or even spit!
• While most nests are built by birds, other animals make nests as well, such as turtles and insects

Beaver Dams

• One of the most elaborate homes constructed by animals
• Dams can protect beavers from predators and provide easy access to food during the winter
• Beavers build dams out of timber, stones and mud

Termite Mounds

• These mounds can sometimes be over 90 feet tall!
• Mounds will often still remain long after the original termite colony is long gone
• Very elaborate full of many tunnels and chambers