Fennec Fox

Did you know?

Fennec foxes are the smallest foxes in the world?

With ears almost half the size of their bodies, fennec foxes have excellent hearing and can detect the sounds of prey underground. They can spring three feet off the ground to dive onto small mammals, lizards, and insects front feet first. To cope with the extreme temperatures of their desert habitat, fennec foxes hunt by night and dig multi-chambered underground dens where they sleep with family members during the day. Other hot climate adaptations include fur on the soles of their feet that protects them while running on hot sand, and their large ears, which not only aid in hunting, but also help to dissipate body heat. Fennec foxes are able to derive all the water they need from the food they consume. They are one of the only carnivores that seems to do well in the Sahara desert because of its ability to survive with very little water. They keep their tongues curled to conserve salvia and only start to pant when the temperature is above 95 degrees. While their legs may not be long, fennec foxes can run 20 miles per hour.

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Why are they always sleeping when I'm at the Zoo?

Fennec foxes are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day.

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Fennec foxes as pets

Fennec foxes may be cute, but they do not make good pets. In fact, in many jurisdictions, it is illegal. They are territorial, difficult to house train and can be destructive. Not to mention the specialized diet, health care and socialization with other fennec foxes they need to have a high quality of life.