U.A.P.P.E.A.L Fox Facts

Gabrielle Collins Fox Element Representative/BOD

Foxes

Foxes are small canids with pointed muzzles, large triangular ears, and bushy tails. They have digitigrade feet (which means they walk on their toes), and wrist bones that are fused to their front leg bones – both of these are adaptations for running. There are about 25 species of fox worldwide, which are divided into vulpine foxes (Vulpes, red foxes), zorros (Dusicyon, a more distinct vulpine group of South American foxes), gray foxes (Urocyon), the Arctic fox (Alopex), and the bat-eared fox (Otocyon).

These beautiful animals, weighing between two to fifteen lbs, depending on the species, are very successful hunters and scavengers, and have spread to all areas of the world, from desert to arctic ice, and everywhere in between. There are many species of foxes, although not many are commonly kept as pets. Probably the most common foxes that are kept as pets in the USA are the fennec fox, the red fox (and its variations such as silver, cross, etc), the arctic fox and the gray fox. While fennecs and some other species of fox are often bred and sold by USDA licensed breeders, many red and arctic foxes are obtained from people that breed them for the fur trade. Often, these new owners are not well-informed what to expect from a fox as a pet, and so are ill-equipped to deal with the special challenges foxes provide.

One of these challenges is the issue of smell. All foxes have scent glands – from small glands between the toes and on the chin, to a larger gland at the top of the base of the tail, to quite pungent anal sacs. Red foxes seem to be the muskiest, while fennecs tend only to smell when they are frightened or surprised, and it is not nearly as “skunky” of a smell. Quite often, red foxes are not able to be kept as housepets simply because of the smell. Foxes are hoarders, and will steal and store food and toys in unlikely places. They are also excellent climbers and diggers, so they must have 100% enclosed cages, whether indoors or outdoors. In fact, digging is a primary concern for indoor foxes, as they can destroy carpeting and scratch up wood floors and doors.

Below are descriptions of the different types of foxes, and detail of the more common species of red fox are also highlighted.

Fennec Fox

Because fennecs are social animals and have little smell, these often make the best pets of the fox family. They have been bred as pets in the USA at least since the 1970’s. We will focus on fennecs as pets, although other foxes are similar in care. It is important to check the laws in your state, county and city to be sure that owning a fennec is legal BEFORE you buy one. You also need to be prepared for the reality of owning a tamed animal – and foxes are tamed, not domesticated. They are not like dogs or cats, and do not necessarily respond to the same kinds of stimuli, discipline or foods that our domestic animals do.

Fennecs can live for 14 years or more in captivity if fed properly and accidents are avoided. Fennecs tend to have dietary needs similar to that of a cat, so a high-quality, high-protein diet of cat food kibble is good. Mazuri makes a very good diet (exotic feline, small) that is nutritious. Many breeders also recommend supplementing the diet with raw food such as mice, mealworms and crickets, or raw chicken. Vegetables seem to be an important part of their diet, although it should not be the main part of the diet. Frozen mixed veggies (thawed) are good for this. Fennecs love treats of fruits and cereals, but as with all treats, these should be given in moderation.

Fennecs must be caged when not able to be watched, as they are very curious and able to dig, climb and get into lots of things. The types of cages vary from modest ferret cages to whole rooms dedicated to the fennec. Fennecs love to be up high, so shelves are good for them to lie on. It is not recommended to keep pet fennecs outside, as they can escape from most enclosures by climbing, digging, or wiggling through.

Some fennecs are able to be litter trained, or trained to puppy pads, but the majority are never 100% trained, and probably half of all fennecs owned as pets are never housebroken or litter trained at all. All foxes are highly susceptible to rabies, so it is essential to vaccinate them with a canine rabies vaccine. They have also been known to contract canine diseases such as heartworm, Parvo and distemper, but it is safest to use only killed vaccines for these last two.

Fennecs, more than most foxes, are prone to digging. They WILL tear up carpeting and wood floors, so it is recommended to have tile or other hard flooring in the places they are playing in. Make sure that you are also prepared with a vet, BEFORE you get your fennec, as most vets will not see exotic animals. Rabies, Parvo, Distemper and Heartworm are concerns for a fennec. In addition, they may be prone to cardiomyopathy and juvenile cataracts if not fed properly.

Do your research before you buy your fennec – or any other fox – and if you have any questions, don’t feel silly asking. There are many good places to go to for aid, and as the canid element representative, I am always willing to help.

Red Fox

Red foxes are the most expansive of all the foxes, spanning North America, Europe, Asia and northern Africa. In fact, they are the most widespread carnivore in the world. They exist north of the Arctic Circle and well into the tropics, in woods, deserts, plains and even within large cities. Certainly, they are the most adaptive of the foxes. The red fox has a long, luxurious coat, and is the largest of the foxes. Despite the name “red”, they come in a variety of colors and types: red, orange, yellow, brown, silver, gray, black, cross, and even white. They will eat nearly anything they can find or catch, from roots, vegetables and fruits, to insects and small mammals – ranging in size from mice to rabbits, and occasionally lambs and fawns. Includes: Red Fox, Swift Fox, Kit Fox, Fennec Fox, Pale Fox, Blanford’s Fox, Ruppell’s Fox, Cape Fox, Corsac Fox, Hoary Fox, Kama Fox, Bengal (Indian) Fox, San Joaquin Kit Fox.

Swift Fox

A relative newcomer to private ownership, the swift fox inhabits prairie areas throughout North America, from Canada down through the northern USA. They are able to travel at speeds up to 30 mph, and are capable of bringing down prey larger than themselves. Until recently, these foxes were extinct in Canada, and are still considered endangered there.

Kit Fox

Kit foxes are a southern relative of the swift fox, ranging primarily in Mexico and the southwestern USA. These are not terribly easy to obtain as pets, and by most accounts do not tame as easily as some of the other types

Arctic Fox

This beautiful fox is found at the far northern reaches of the world, living among the ice and tundra. They are so well adapted to their environment that they don’t even begin to shiver until temperatures reach –94oF! They have small ears, furry feet, and about 70% of their coat is a dense undercoat, which is what keeps them so warm. Arctic foxes are the most carnivorous of all the foxes, eating primarily lemmings and voles. They are also one of the more prolific foxes, being able to give birth to up to a record 19 pups, and regularly able to have survivable litters of 11! In the summer, their beautiful white coats turn gray to blend in with the tundra and melted Arctic ice.

Zorros

Of all the zorros, the Culpaeo seems to be the only one that has regularly been at least partially domesticated by native peoples in South America. None of these foxes are commonly kept as pets in the USA, nor are even often found in zoos or sanctuaries. Includes: Crab-eating Zorro, Darwin’s Zorro, Gray Zorro, Culpaeo, Azara’s Zorro, Sechuran Zorro, Small-eared Zorro, Hoary Zorro

Gray Fox

The oldest of the foxes, it evolved 6-9 million years ago. They naturally live in woods and farmlands in territorial pairs, and are actually able to rotate their front paws to grasp branches, which makes them exceptional tree and rock climbers. These gray and orange colored foxes eat fruits, insects and any carrion or small animals they find. Because these animals are native to the USA, not many people are able to keep them as pets unless specially licensed. Includes: Channel Island Fox, San Clemente Island Fox

Bat-eared Fox

Dark gray, black and silvery colored, with big ears, they are very striking to look at, and have an amazing forty-eight teeth! These small foxes are primarily insectivores, and specialize in eating termites. This makes them a difficult animal to keep in captivity.