I saw this cute furry animal from a Pier 1 Import ad recently.
I was thinking it was a fox, but exactly what type of fox I wasn’t sure.
Then M told me these are probably a desert fox due to it’s large ears. As large ears help to radiate body heat and help them keep cool.
And he’s right, they are fennec fox found in the desert of North Africa.
There are many type of desert foxes, but the cutest and smallest one of them all is fennec fox.
Fennec foxes are found in the Saharan desert. The term fennec comes from Arabic meaning fox. They live in underground sandy dens with up to ten other fennec foxes. Being nocturnal helps them stay cool when hunting at night.
It’s a luxe life for the fennec fox! Photo from Pier 1 Imports.
Some more info about fennec fox from National Geographic:
“They also have long, thick hair that insulates them during cold nights and protects them from hot sun during the day.
Even the fox’s feet are hairy, which helps them perform like snowshoes and protects them from extremely hot sand.
The fox’s feet are also effective shovels for frequent digging—fennec foxes live in underground dens.”
Like many other foxes, their fur is in high demand.
The Fennec Fox is classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List. It is not endangered but it’s trade has to be controlled. Humans hunt them even though they do no pose any harm, such as effecting livestock.
This is a photo of a 10 month old fennec fox. Looks like they are ready to put him up for adoption on the “exotic” animal trade.
I guess that’s better than being skinned for your fur. Although I’m sure he would prefer to run wild with other fennecs in the Sahara Desert.
Instead of wanting an exotic pet like the fennec fox, maybe find a Chihuahua (dog) or cat at your local animal shelter. They are about the same size and really need a home. I’ve seen many cats and dogs that have the same “foxy” face as fennecs. Especially if they have the cream or white color fur.
I am thinking after people see the ad from Pier 1 Imports, it would only encourage people to want them as family pets. That would be fine only if the fennec foxes are in danger and need a loving home.
Photo from Wikipedia.
8:48 pm on September 2nd, 2010
Just by the name fennec fox, I’m sure they can fend for themselves. I’ve never seen one before but it does look like a cat. Lee has been wanting a cat as pet but I’m afraid that it might scratch the furniture.
11:48 pm on September 7th, 2010
They are smart little foxes… coming out at night to avoid predators. And so cute too.
Having a cat would be nice for Lee. Cats are very independent and sleep most of the time. Our cat is indoor/outdoor and doesn’t scratch the furniture. They may want to at first. But you let them know it’s not acceptable. Either by telling them or spraying them with a water gun. It also helps to give them a scratch post. We made our scratch post with old heavy duty cardboard, cut into strips, and then glue together. Kitty seem to really love it!
7:28 pm on September 8th, 2010
I have to see if she will be responsible, she is willing to give up her toy room for the cat. I could tell that she loves cat more than dog. She will be 9 next month and hope that she could get it when she’s 13 year old. So I have several years to think about it.
1:14 am on September 19th, 2010
I love Fennec Foxes and I plan to purchase one as soon as possible.
They may be wild animals, but the ones you can purchase are selectively breed and would not survive in their natural habitat.
I actually found your page because I noticed the fennec fox on the ad the second I saw it on the kitchen counter
Fennec foxes aren’t endangered (not anymore) thanks to the wild populous of pet owners; we aren’t hurting the specious, we are helping them
11:26 pm on September 21st, 2010
Hi Jate,
Remember that fennec foxes are active animals and need plenty of space for running around outdoors. They need an outlet for all of their energy, just like working dogs. Being coop up in a small apartment would not be much fun for them.
When you do get your own fennec, I’m sure you’ll take good care of it. Good luck!