What You Need to Know About Bat Eared Foxes as Pets

Thinking about getting a bat eared fox as a pet? With their oversized ears and endearing looks, these little known African canids have quickly captured the hearts of exotic animal enthusiasts.

But before you bring one of these unique animals into your home, it’s important to understand their specific needs, legal requirements, and what makes them different from other fox species commonly kept as pets.

What is a Bat Eared Fox?

The bat eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) is a small African canid native to the savannas and semi-arid regions of eastern and southern Africa. Named for their enormous ears that can reach up to 5 inches in length, these foxes are unmistakable in appearance. Adults typically weigh between 6 to 12 pounds and measure 18 to 26 inches in body length, with a bushy tail adding another 9 to 14 inches.

Unlike most canids, bat eared foxes are primarily insectivorous, with harvester termites making up approximately 70% to 90% of their natural diet.

Their massive ears also serve multiple purposes: they help dissipate heat in the hot African climate and provide exceptional hearing that allows them to detect underground insects moving beneath the soil.

Physical Characteristics and Lifespan

Bat eared foxes possess several distinctive features that set them apart from other fox species:

• Ears: Their disproportionately large ears are their most notable feature, measuring 4.7 to 5.3 inches tall
• Coat: Grizzled gray to buff colored fur with black markings on the legs, ear tips, muzzle, and tail tip
• Teeth: Unique among canids with 46 to 50 teeth (most canids have 42), that are adapted to crushing insects
• Build: Slender body with relatively short legs and a fluffy bushy tail

In captivity, bat eared foxes can live 10 to 15 years with proper care, but their lifespan in the wild averages about 6 to 8 years due to predation and environmental factors.

Legal Considerations: Can You Own a Bat Eared Fox?

Before falling in love with the idea of a pet bat eared fox, you must navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding exotic pet ownership. Legality varies dramatically by location:

United States Exotic Pet Laws

Bat eared fox ownership is regulated at the state, county, and city levels. Some states ban all exotic fox ownership entirely, while others require special permits.

States with generally more permissive exotic pet laws include Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and parts of the Midwest, but you must still verify all current laws and regulations.

Always check with your state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, local animal control, and city ordinances before considering a pet bat eared fox. Owning an illegal exotic pet can lead to heavy fines, confiscation (and possible euthanasia) of the animal, criminal charges, and even jail time. Don’t take the risk – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Why Bat Eared Foxes Make Better Pets Than Other Fox Species

Although no fox species is truly suited for the average household, bat eared foxes possess certain traits that make them somewhat easier to manage than other species (such as red, fennec, or arctic foxes).

Temperament Advantages

• Bat eared foxes tend to be less aggressive and more tolerant of human interaction than other foxes.
• Their insectivorous diet also means they lack the strong predatory drive of carnivorous fox species, making them somewhat calmer around small pets (though caution is always necessary).
• Unlike fennec foxes (which are notorious for their high pitched vocalizations and crazy energy bursts) bat eared foxes are generally quieter and have more flexible activity patterns.

Odor Considerations

One of the biggest challenges of keeping foxes as pets is their strong musky odor – red and arctic foxes in particular have potent urine and scent glands that produce an overwhelming smell indoors, one that’s nearly impossible to eliminate completely (even with consistent thorough cleaning).

However, bat eared foxes don’t produce these offensive scents, and their enclosures can easily be managed with proper hygiene and regular cleaning.

Size and Space Requirements

Compared to the larger fox species, bat eared foxes are more compact, making them slightly easier to accommodate in terms of enclosure size.

Their smaller size also means less destructive potential to furniture and household items.

Social Nature

Bat eared foxes are naturally social animals that live in small family groups in the wild.

With extensive socialization and positive reinforcement training from a young age, bat eared foxes can:

• Displays less fear based aggression than other fox species
• Form strong bonds with their humans
• Act more outgoing than other fox species
• Adapt surprisingly well to life in captivity

But it’s important to remember that bat eared foxes are still high maintenance pets and are not suitable for the average household.

Yes, They Can Be Potty Trained

Most people are surprised to learn that bat eared foxes can be potty trained, making them more adaptable to indoor living than expected. In contrast, some other fox species are nearly impossible to potty train and will continue marking indoors.

While bat eared foxes still require consistent patient training, they have a much higher likelihood of becoming reliably house trained compared to other fox species.

Despite Advantages, Bat Eared Foxes Remain High Maintenance Pets

It’s important to recognize that, despite their relative advantages, bat eared foxes are still highly demanding pets and should never be acquired on a whim.

Even when bred in captivity and hand raised, they still remain wild animals at heart and require a level of care and dedication that far exceeds that of typical domestic pets.

Specialized Dietary Requirements

Meeting the nutritional needs of a bat eared fox can be one of the most challenging aspects of ownership. For inexperienced exotic pet keepers, their natural insectivorous diet can be difficult to replicate in captivity. Owners must provide:

• Live insects: Mealworms, crickets, waxworms, and other insects must be gut loaded
• Insectivore Diet: Commercial diet designed for insectivorous mammals
• Supplements: Calcium, taurine, and vitamin supplementation may be needed to prevent nutritional deficiencies
• Variety: Occasional fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of appropriate protein sources

An improper diet can lead to serious health problems, including metabolic bone disease, diabetes, organ failure, and a shortened lifespan. Be sure to consult with an exotic animal veterinarian to determine the specific nutritional and supplement needs of your bat eared fox.

Limited Veterinary Care

Finding a veterinarian that is experienced with bat eared foxes can be extremely challenging. Most standard veterinary practices don’t see exotic canids, meaning:

• You may need to travel hundreds of miles for specialized care
• Emergency situations can become life threatening due to lack of local expertise
• Routine procedures like spaying/neutering can carry higher risks if done by inexperienced vets
• Veterinary costs are typically 2 to 3 times higher than they are for domestic pets

It’s essential for prospective fox owners to secure a reliable exotic animal veterinarian who is willing to treat a pet fox before bringing one home.

Behavioral Challenges

Despite their advantages over other fox species, bat eared foxes still exhibit some challenging behaviors:

• Destructive Digging: Their natural instinct to dig for insects means constant excavation of enclosures and yards
• Marking Behavior: Some bat eared foxes urine mark and scent mark throughout their territory
• Limited Trainability: Although incredibly intelligent and trainable, bat eared foxes will never be completely obedient
• Socialization Needs: Require extensive socialization and daily interaction
• Noise Sensitivity: Their large ears make them particularly sensitive to loud sounds, which can cause stress in noisy or chaotic environments

These behaviors are natural and instinctual – you cannot ‘train’ them out of your pet bat eared fox.

Successful fox ownership means understanding, accepting, and accommodating these inherent behaviors.

Time and Financial Investment

Caring for a bat eared fox requires:

• 2 to 6+ hours of daily care, feeding, and interaction
• Annual costs ranging from $3,000 to $7,000+ for food, supplements, veterinary care, and enclosure maintenance
• Constant supervision when outside their enclosure
• Significant lifestyle restrictions – difficulty finding pet sitters, not legal in all USA states, etc.

Setting Up Your Home for a Bat Eared Fox

Housing and Environmental Needs

Some owners choose to keep their bat eared foxes outdoors, while others raise them indoors (much like a dog or cat). However, successfully keeping one of these foxes inside of your home requires making a few modifications to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.

Indoor Enclosure Requirements

Bat eared foxes living indoors need:

• Large Indoor Enclosure: Minimum 200 square feet (but bigger is better)
• Fox-Proofing any rooms that your pet has access to
• Secure all exits to prevent accidental escapes (bat eared foxes are not like dogs – they will not reliably return if let off leash in unfenced areas)
• Shelter: Den boxes, multiple hiding spots, etc.
• Substrate Options: Opportunities to dig and forge in sand, soil, crinkle paper, etc.
• Variety: Opportunities for climbing, digging areas, branches, etc.

Outdoor Enclosure Essentials

Bat eared foxes kept outdoors require:

• Large Outdoor Enclosure: 200 to 400+ square feet (bigger is better)
• Proper Fencing: At least 6 feet tall
• Dig Barriers: Fencing buried 3+ feet underground to prevent digging escapes (or concrete footers surrounding entire enclosure)
• Secure Barriers: Fencing must extend overhead to prevent climbing escapes and protect from aerial predators
• Climate Control: Protection from extreme temperatures, as they’re adapted to African climates
• Shelter: Insulated den boxes, multiple hiding spots, weatherproof areas
• Appropriate Substrate: Mix of sand, soil, and grass areas for natural digging behavior
• Variety: Digging areas, branches, opportunities for climbing, etc.

Whether you choose to keep your pet bat eared fox indoors or allow it to live outdoors, it will still need:

• Lots of Enrichment: Puzzle feeders, scent trails, rotating toys, novel items, etc.
• Fresh Water: Access to clean water must be available at all times (cleaned/changed daily)

Climate Considerations

Bat eared foxes are adapted to African climates and require:

• Summer shade structures and cooling options (like misters, frozen treats, or cool tiles)
• Winter heating in cold climates (heated shelters and warm bedding)
• Protection from extreme weather events
• Daily monitoring for signs of heat stress or hypothermia

Health Concerns and Common Issues

When provided with proper care and an appropriate environment, bat eared foxes are generally healthy in captivity, but they still remain susceptible to several health issues:

Nutritional Disorders

Metabolic bone disease from calcium deficiency is common without proper supplementation. Signs include lethargy, bone fractures, and difficulty walking.

Dental Problems

Despite having numerous teeth adapted for crushing insects, captive diets can lead to dental disease requiring specialized veterinary intervention.

Parasites

Both internal parasites (worms) and external parasites (fleas, ticks, mites) can affect bat eared foxes. Regular preventative care is essential.

Stress Related Conditions

Improper housing, inadequate socialization, or other environmental stressors can lead to self mutilation, excessive pacing, and aggression.

Socialization Is Important

Extensive socialization is absolutely essential for keeping a bat eared fox as a pet. It should begin as early as possible and continue consistently throughout the fox’s life.

Bat eared foxes are not the type of pet that can thrive on just a few hours of interaction per week. They require consistent daily attention and engagement to remain tame, comfortable, and well-adjusted.

The Reality Check: Should You Get a Bat Eared Fox?

Before committing to a bat eared fox, honestly assess whether you can provide:

• Significant financial resources for initial setup and ongoing care
• Legal permission in your area including all proper permits and insurance (depending on state laws)
• Appropriate property for a large secure enclosure (either indoors or outside)
• Time commitment of several hours every single day for care and interaction
• Access to exotic animal veterinary care within reasonable travel distance
• Long term dedication for 10 to 15 years
• Realistic expectations about behavior and limitations
• Backup care arrangements for vacations and emergencies

If you cannot confidently meet every single requirement, a bat eared fox is not the right pet for you.

Bat eared foxes are high maintenance pets. While they can thrive in captivity, this is only possible for a very specific type of owner – they are not suitable as pets for the average household.

Alternatives to Ownership

If you’re captivated by bat eared foxes but recognize the challenges are too significant, consider these alternatives:

• Zoo Volunteering: Many zoos with bat eared foxes welcome educated volunteers
• Wildlife Education Programs: Work with facilities that use animal ambassadors for education
• Conservation Support: Donate to organizations protecting bat eared foxes in the wild
• Wildlife Photography Tours: Experience these animals in their natural African habitat

A Commitment Not to Be Taken Lightly

Bat eared foxes are undeniably charming animals with unique characteristics that make them somewhat more manageable as pets than other fox species. Their smaller size, milder temperament, reduced odor, and social nature provide advantages for dedicated exotic pet owners.

However, its important to keep in mind that these advantages do not transform them into easy pets.

For the exceptionally rare individual who has the legal permission, financial resources, appropriate property, time commitment, and genuine understanding of what these animals need, a bat eared fox can be a rewarding addition to their life.

For everyone else, appreciating these remarkable creatures from a distance – through zoos, sanctuaries, and wildlife conservation efforts – is the most responsible choice.

Remember: Wanting an animal and being able to properly care for it are two very different things. Always prioritize the welfare of the animal over your desire for an exotic pet.