Burrow vs. Den — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 5, 2024
A burrow is a tunnel or hole dug by animals as a habitat, focusing on underground living spaces, while dens are shelters used by animals, often for raising offspring and not always underground.
Difference Between Burrow and Den
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A burrow refers to a tunnel or hole created by animals, primarily used as a shelter and located underground, providing protection and temperature regulation. These structures are typically made by burrowing animals like rabbits, moles, and groundhogs, emphasizing concealment and safety from predators. On the other hand, a den is a more general term for an animal's shelter or living space, which might be found in caves, hollow trees, or even under rocks. Dens are often associated with predators like bears, wolves, and big cats, serving as a place for raising young or as a temporary refuge rather than a permanent home.
While burrows are usually the result of animals digging into the soil or sand, creating extensive tunnel systems for habitation and storage, dens might not involve any digging at all. Dens can be naturally occurring spaces or minimally modified by the animal, indicating a broader range of shelters. Burrows, with their intricate design, highlight the animal's ability to alter its environment significantly to suit its needs.
Burrowing animals often spend a significant portion of their lives within their burrows, relying on these structures for protection against predators and extreme weather conditions. In contrast, animals that use dens may only do so seasonally or for specific purposes, such as hibernation or rearing young, showcasing a less permanent attachment to their shelters.
The creation of a burrow can have ecological impacts, such as aerating the soil and increasing its fertility. Meanwhile, the use of dens, especially those in pre-existing structures like caves or fallen logs, has a minimal impact on the environment, reflecting different ecological roles between the two types of animal shelters.
The choice between burrowing and denning can reflect an animal's lifestyle, survival strategy, and ecological niche. Burrowing animals are often smaller and seek underground refuge to avoid predation, whereas den-using animals can range from small to large, utilizing dens more for privacy and the rearing of offspring than for daily shelter.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A hole or tunnel dug into the ground by animals for shelter.
A shelter used by animals, not necessarily underground.
Typical Users
Rodents, rabbits, moles, and certain reptiles.
Bears, wolves, big cats, and some birds.
Purpose
Mainly for protection and living quarters.
For rearing young, hibernation, or temporary refuge.
Construction
Created by digging.
May be dug, natural formations, or repurposed spaces.
Ecological Role
Aerates soil, influences soil fertility.
Minimal alteration of the environment.
Compare with Definitions
Burrow
Typically made by small to medium-sized animals such as rodents, rabbits, and moles.
Moles spend most of their lives underground, navigating the complex tunnel systems of their burrows.
Den
Dens have a minimal impact on the environment but are crucial for the survival of certain species.
The use of natural dens by animals contributes to the biodiversity of the forest without altering its landscape.
Burrow
Burrows aerate the soil and can increase its fertility by mixing in organic material.
The extensive burrowing activity of prairie dogs helps to aerate the soil, benefiting the prairie ecosystem.
Den
Often used for rearing young, hibernation, or as a temporary safe haven.
The fox returns to its den to feed and care for its kits.
Burrow
A burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to create a space for habitation or storage.
The rabbit quickly disappeared into its burrow to escape the predator.
Den
Can be a natural space, an adaptation of an existing structure, or occasionally dug out by the animal.
The leopard repurposed an old termite mound as a den for its cubs.
Burrow
Serves as a protective living space, safe from predators and harsh weather conditions.
The groundhog's burrow, with multiple entrances, offers both safety and a cool retreat during summer.
Den
Utilized by a variety of animals, including predators like bears and wolves, and some bird species.
Bears often choose dens in hollow trees or caves as their hibernation spots.
Burrow
Involves the animal actively digging and removing soil to create the desired structure.
With its powerful front claws, the mole digs burrows that can extend for hundreds of meters underground.
Den
A den is a shelter used by animals, which can be naturally occurring or minimally altered by the animal.
The wolf pack gathered in their den, a secluded cave, to protect the new litter of pups.
Burrow
A burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to construct a space suitable for habitation or temporary refuge, or as a byproduct of locomotion. Burrows provide a form of shelter against predation and exposure to the elements and can be found in nearly every biome and among various biological interactions.
Den
The shelter or retreat of a wild animal; a lair.
Burrow
A hole or tunnel dug by a small animal, especially a rabbit, as a dwelling.
Den
A cave or hollow used as a refuge or hiding place.
Burrow
(of an animal) make a hole or tunnel, typically for use as a dwelling
Moles burrowing away underground
Den
A hidden or squalid dwelling place
A den of thieves.
Burrow
A hole or tunnel dug in the ground by a small animal, such as a rabbit or mole, for habitation or refuge.
Den
A secluded room for study or relaxation.
Burrow
A narrow or snug place.
Den
A unit of about eight to ten Cub Scouts.
Burrow
To dig a hole or tunnel for habitation or refuge.
Den
To inhabit or hide in a den.
Burrow
To live or hide in such a place.
Den
A small cavern or hollow place in the side of a hill, or among rocks; especially, a cave used by a wild animal for shelter or concealment.
A den of robbers
Daniel was put into the lions’ den.
Burrow
To move or progress by or as if by digging or tunneling:"Suddenly the tn is burrowing through the pinewoods"(William Styron).
Den
A squalid or wretched place; a haunt.
A den of vice
An opium den; a gambling den
Burrow
To make by or as if by tunneling.
Den
A comfortable room not used for formal entertaining.
Burrow
To dig a hole or tunnel in or through.
Den
Syn of fort
Our little girls love using bedsheets and other stuff around the house to make dens in the living room and pretending they're on adventures.
Burrow
(Arcc)To hide in or as if in a burrow.
Den
A narrow glen; a ravine; a dell.
Burrow
A tunnel or hole, often as dug by a small creature.
Den
A group of Cub Scouts of the same age who work on projects together.
Burrow
(mining) A heap or heaps of rubbish or refuse.
Den
Abbreviation of denier(a unit of weight)
Burrow
Obsolete form of barrowA mound.
Den
(reflexive) To ensconce or hide oneself in (or as in) a den.
Burrow
Obsolete form of boroughAn incorporated town.
Den
A small cavern or hollow place in the side of a hill, or among rocks; esp., a cave used by a wild beast for shelter or concealment; as, a lion's den; a den of robbers.
Burrow
(intransitive) to dig a tunnel or hole
Den
A squalid place of resort; a wretched dwelling place; a haunt; as, a den of vice.
Burrow
(intransitive) (with adverbial of direction) to move underneath or press up against in search of safety or comfort
The young girl burrowed into the bed.
Den
Any snug or close retreat where one goes to be alone.
Burrow
(intransitive) (with into) to investigate thoroughly
The journalist burrowed into the origins of the mayor's corruption.
Den
A narrow glen; a ravine; a dell.
Burrow
An incorporated town. See 1st Borough.
Den
To live in, or as in, a den.
The sluggish salvages that den below.
Burrow
A shelter; esp. a hole in the ground made by certain animals, as rabbits, for shelter and habitation.
Den
The habitation of wild animals
Burrow
A heap or heaps of rubbish or refuse.
Den
A hiding place; usually a remote place used by outlaws
Burrow
To excavate a hole to lodge in, as in the earth; to lodge in a hole excavated in the earth, as conies or rabbits.
Den
A unit of 8 to 10 cub scouts
Burrow
To lodge, or take refuge, in any deep or concealed place; to hide.
Sir, this vermin of court reporters, when they are forced into day upon one point, are sure to burrow in another.
Den
A room that is comfortable and secluded
Burrow
A hole in the ground made by an animal for shelter
Burrow
Move through by or as by digging;
Burrow through the forest
Common Curiosities
Why do animals create burrows?
To protect themselves from predators and harsh weather, and sometimes for storing food.
What animals typically use burrows?
Rodents, rabbits, and moles are common burrowers.
Are all dens underground?
No, dens can also be in caves, hollow trees, or under rocks and are not always underground.
What is a burrow?
A burrow is a hole or tunnel dug into the ground by animals as a protective habitat.
Can a den be a burrow?
Yes, if the den is underground and dug out by the animal, it can be considered a burrow.
Do burrows affect the environment?
Yes, they can aerate the soil and increase fertility, impacting the ecosystem positively.
Are dens only used for raising young?
While dens are often used for raising young, they can also serve as temporary shelters or hibernation spots.
How do animals construct dens?
Animals can use natural formations, adapt existing structures, or occasionally dig to create dens.
What is the purpose of a den for large predators?
Large predators use dens primarily for rearing their young and as a refuge during extreme weather.
What's the difference between a burrow and a den?
A burrow is specifically an underground shelter made by digging, while a den can be any type of shelter used by animals.
Do animals live in their burrows year-round?
Some animals, like rabbits and moles, use their burrows throughout the year, while others use them seasonally.
Can the same shelter be both a burrow and a den?
Technically, yes, if it is an underground shelter used by animals, especially for rearing young.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
