Aren’t fennec foxes adorable? Native to the deserts of north Africa, the fennec fox is distinctive for his pert black eyes, small size, and enormous fluffy ears.
Even though it’s gaining in popularity as a pet, the fennec fox is still a mystery to many people. What are some interesting facts about fennec foxes?
Get ready to read the top 30!
- Fennec fox ears can grow to half the size of their body
- Their big ears act like air conditioners
- They’re not red like other foxes
- It’s not just a name: Fennec foxes are true foxes
- Fennec foxes are hunted by owls
- Fennec foxes have hairy feet
- Fennec foxes can breathe up to 690 breaths a minute
- The fennec fox is not endangered
- Fennec foxes don’t need free-standing water
- They get almost all of their water from their prey
- Fennec foxes will eat almost anything
- Fennec foxes live in burrow
- Fennec foxes have close families
- There’s a specific name for a group of foxes
- Fennec foxes make clans
- Fennec foxes make protective parents
- Fennec foxes have hidden “savings accounts” of food
- Fennec foxes get shivery around 70 degrees
- They’re all about the night life
- They are great communicators
- They can yip or sound like jungle birds
- Fennecs can screech and bark as a defensive tactic
- They make adorable trilling sounds
- Fennec foxes can be kept as pets
- Fennec foxes are escape artists
- They’re highly curious about their environment
- Fennecs may need a dedicated fox room
- They can jump on anything
- Fennec foxes are enthusiastic diggers and chewers
- Fennec fox ownership may not be legal in your state
1. Fennec fox ears can grow to half the size of their body
Enormous, batlike ears are a hallmark feature of the fennec fox. When they’re adults, fennec fox ears can be as long as six inches.
That’s about half the body length of an average adult fennec fox.
2. Their big ears act like air conditioners
In addition to helping the fox locate tasty underground prey, the fennec fox’s big ears help him cool off. The large ears are open on all sides.
This trait helps regulate body heat by helping to cool off the fennec’s blood as it circulates.
That way, the fox’s body temperature stays in a safe range even in the hot North African desert.
3. They’re not red like other foxes
Fennec foxes have a distinctive sandy-colored coat with lots of fluffy furs.
The fur on the fox’s feet helps protect his pads from the burning sand and give traction.
However, the color of the coat blends in with the off-white shade of the sand.
This survival trait helps the fennec fox camouflage themselves and be less visible to predators like the owl.
4. It’s not just a name: Fennec foxes are true foxes
We know sometimes names can be misleading.
For example, red pandas aren’t really bears, and koalas aren’t either. (Actually, koala bears are marsupials.)
Rest assured, though, fennec foxes are indeed foxes.
They’re the smallest of all the canids, a group that includes everyone from the teeny fennec fox to the giant grey wolf.
5. Fennec foxes are hunted by owls
You might be wondering, “Are fennec foxes dangerous?”
At 2-3 pounds, the average fennec fox is about the size of a female ferret. Unless you’re a small rodent or a bird egg, you don’t have a lot to be concerned about when it comes to fennec foxes. In fact, fennec foxes are probably more in danger from you.
They’re so small that they’re actually preyed upon by eagle owls. This large bird species lives in Africa and Eurasia.
6. Fennec foxes have hairy feet
Fennec fox feet are adorably fluffy. As it turns out, hairy feet are all about sand management.
Since the fennec fox is native to hot and sandy deserts in north Africa and Arabia, the hair on the foxes’ feet gives them extra protection against surfaces like burning sand.
The foot fuzz helps to distribute the foxes’ weight in loose, shifting dune sand. In other words, the fur on their feet acts like built-in snowshoes.
Foot fur gives the fox much better traction. Also, because fennec foxes like to dig underground burrows to sleep in, the hair on their feet makes their digging more efficient.
7. Fennec foxes can breathe up to 690 breaths a minute
Normally, fennec foxes breathe about 23 breaths per minute on average. (For comparison, a normal human range is from about 12-20 breaths per minute.)
However, when the temperature starts to rise, fennec foxes start to pant. In fact, fennec foxes can breathe up to thirty times their normal rate.
This rapid breathing helps them manage extremely high heat an keep their temperature in a normal range.
8. The fennec fox is not endangered
Fortunately, the fennec fox is safer than many species.
In fact, it’s listed in the “least concern” groups for conservation efforts.
Unfortunately, tourism and development are encroaching on the native habitat of the fennec fox, and foxes are hunted for their coats by some people.
9. Fennec foxes don’t need free-standing water
Most animals need some form of free-standing water in puddles, lakes, rivers, rain, or other water sources in order to live.
However, fennec foxes can go for years without directly drinking water.
To provide them a survival edge in the desert heat, fennec fox kidneys have adapted to reduce water loss.
10. They get almost all of their water from their prey
Foxes get most of their water from the rodents, insects, eggs, or reptiles they catch. In its underground burrows, the fox can also consume any dew that collects on the inside walls.
If you have a pet fox, however, you should supply it with a water source just in case.
11. Fennec foxes will eat almost anything
Fennec foxes are known for being opportunistic eaters. In other words, they’ll eat almost anything they can catch in the wild.
This includes small rodents such as mice, lizards, birds and their eggs, and insects.
Unlike many other canids, fennec foxes will also seek out high-moisture food sources including fruit, leaves, and roots.
12. Fennec foxes live in burrows
Like many desert animals from prairie dogs to rattlesnakes, fennec foxes live in burrows.
They’ll usually find a good shade plant and dig a burrow entrance near the base of the plant, letting the roots act as natural rebar to support the burrow tunnel.
The fennec uses the underground burrow as a safe retreat from its natural predator, the eagle owl.
Female fennec foxes will line an interior chamber of the burrow with leaves before giving birth to a litter of babies.
13. Fennec foxes have close families
Normally, foxes are loners. However, the fennec fox is different.
Fennecs form extended family groups of around 8-10 foxes, most of whom are related to each other.
Usually, the fennec fox clan will have one breeding pair that mates for life. The family group may include a current litter as well as siblings from older litters.
Usually, female fennecs will breed once a year and have a litter of 1-6 kits.
14. There’s a specific name for a group of foxes
You’ve probably heard some of the wild names for groups of animals.
A group of lions is a pride. A cluster of geese is a gaggle, and a gathering of pigeons is a flock.
Sometimes, the names get evocative of the animals themselves or our associations with them.
A group of crows is a murder; a gang of ferrets is a business.
The fox is no exception.
The next time you see a bunch of fennecs hanging out together, be sure to call out, “Hey, I see a skulk of foxes over there.”
15. Fennec foxes make clans
More social than other foxes, fennecs will sometimes develop an enormous and complex underground den system.
The dens will have multiple exits, a feature which allows fennecs the opportunity to duck into a safe hidey-hole in case of danger from above.
As fennec fox generations grow up, they may form new clusters and family groups which may share this complex den.
16. Fennec foxes make protective parents
Baby fennec foxes are very fragile at birth. Born blind in their underground dens, kit foxes are entirely dependent on their mother until they open their eyes at around two weeks old.
During that time, male foxes are kept away until the babies are old enough to start playing around and outside the den at 4-5 weeks old.
Fennec foxes nurse their young longer than many other species of fox and generally don’t wean until their kits are 2-3 months old.
17. Fennec foxes have hidden “savings accounts” of food
Unlike wolves and coyotes, which hunt in packs, fennecs hunt alone. Even though they’re more social in their family lives, fennecs prefer food-finding to be a solo mission.
In times of greater food abundance, fennecs will often cache food. This means that they’ll catch prey such as an insect, a lizard, or a small rodent.
Then the fox will bury it in the ground for later consumption. Fennec foxes have almost no trouble in finding their caches again during the winter.
18. Fennec foxes get shivery around 70 degrees
Fennec foxes are definitely built to take the heat of the North African and Arabian deserts. When it gets a little colder, though, fennecs get chilly even at 68-70 degrees.
That’s when they might start to shiver to warm up. A domesticated fennec fox should not be left outdoors in an environment that gets chillier than 70 degrees or so.
19. They’re all about the night life
Like many desert animals, fennec foxes are nocturnal. They sleep during the day when the heat of the desert is at its most punishing.
When the sun goes down, they go on the prowl for insects, rodents, birds, eggs, or whatever food they can find.
If you’re considering a fennec fox as a pet, it’s important to keep this trait in mind.
Having a dedicated fox room where your fennec can run and play at three in the morning is a good idea.
20. They are great communicators
Probably because they live in extended family groups with complex social dynamics like humans, fennec foxes have developed great communication skills.
They’re capable of making a large variety of fascinating sounds and calls. They don’t always sound as you’d expect for such a small fox.
21. They can yip or sound like jungle birds
When they’re trying to get attention from you, fennec foxes can make a high-pitched “eh-eh-eh-eh” call or cry that sounds like it’s coming from an exotic tropical bird.
Fennecs can also make high-pitched “nyah-nyah-nyah” sounds or yips when they’re guarding food or yummy treats they want to keep all for themselves.
22. Fennecs can screech and bark as a defensive tactic
It’s surprising to hear such a small fox making such a loud noise. When fennecs feel threatened or invaded, they can let out a decidedly defensive screech.
It’s a clear warning sign that definitely tells an invader, “Hey, keep out of here!” Your fox can also make a barking sound that communicates mild annoyance.
23. They make adorable trilling sounds
When they’re happy or being petted or feel comfortable, fennec foxes can make a sound that resembles a chirpy little trill like a happy bird or kitten.
They enjoy being petted, especially after they’ve had some time to burn off their excess energy. Patience and socialization definitely help.
Many fennec foxes love belly rubs and ear rubs as dogs or cats do.
24. Fennec foxes can be kept as pets
Fennec foxes can be kept as pets in some states. However, they’re not domesticated like cats and dogs are, and they have unique needs that dogs and cats don’t always have.
To keep them happy and healthy, it’s important to find out how to take care of them appropriately.
25. Fennec foxes are escape artists
If they’re kept outdoors for any period of time, they’ll need a secure play area.
They love to dig, so outdoor environments have to be planned carefully so they can’t climb over or dig under a wall or fence.
Keep in mind that fennec foxes can dig holes 20 feet deep.
26. They’re highly curious about their environment
Fennec foxes are intelligent and energetic.
In other words, they’ll eagerly explore and get into everything around them.
It’s important to research fennec fox ownership in advance.
Find out what solutions other owners have tried to keep their house fox proofed.
27. Fennecs may need a dedicated fox room
If you keep your fennec fox indoors, it’s a good idea to have a room you’ve designated as the fox room.
Ideally, the room should be kept above 70 degrees. It should also be escape-proof and have space for the fox to run and explore at night.
You should not keep a fox confined at night when he wants to run around and play.
28. They can jump on anything
Like cats, fennec foxes are agile and curious. They can jump on almost anything, including beds, tabletops, counters, and appliances.
A “fox room” where you’ve installed fennec-safe features like shelves or platforms could be a great place for your cutie to burn off some exuberant energy.
29. Fennec foxes are enthusiastic diggers and chewers
Fennec foxes love to dig in the sand. That’s a great survival strategy in Tunisia, but in an apartment litterbox, it can be a mess.
Covered litterboxes definitely help. If you decide to have a fennec as a pet, they love chewing on almost anything that is made of metal or rubber.
What can fennec foxes do? They can definitely chew on dangerous items. These can include electrical plugs, buttons, batteries, coins, or earrings.
As with ferrets or other intelligent, curious animals, fennec foxes need their owners to be vigilant about their environment.
Having a room entirely made for them is a solution many fennec fox owners have tried.
30. Fennec fox ownership may not be legal in your state
As an exotic animal, fennec foxes aren’t universally legal in all U.S. states. If you live in Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, or Washington, please don’t consider getting a fennec fox.
They are illegal in those states. Unfortunately, some animals have been euthanized if their owners have violated these statutes.
In Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Texas, you can own a fennec fox. These states do require a permit or health certification, though.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, fennec foxes are fascinating. adorable, intelligent, and unique. It’s easy to see why ownership is growing in popularity.
These high-energy cuties need owners who are willing to spend a great deal of time and care with them.
They need an environment where they can be happy and safe.
As always, it’s important to do some homework before making the big step to pet ownership.
The looks of the Fennec Fox left me speechless alone… Your facts only added to that to be honest :D
I’m actually from Morocco (in North Africa) from the beginning, yet I have never heard of people keeping Fennec Foxes as pets. They look super-cute! :)
/Nabil