These little foxes are cute and full of charm, making them a fan favorite!

Native to the Sahara Desert, this fox species is the smallest of the canine family, only growing to about 12 inches and weighing just over 3 pounds. Although they live in the hottest desert in the world, fennec foxes rarely need to drink water. Several features allow them to stay cool— oversized ears provide more body surface for heat to dissipate and thick fur protects them from the heat of the day. Fennec foxes are nocturnal, too, allowing them to sleep during the hottest parts of the day.

In addition to protecting them from the heat, their large ears are a resource for locating small prey. Fennec foxes are omnivores, making meat, insects, fruits, and leaves a staple in their diet.

Did You Know?
Even though they have tiny legs, the fennec fox can run up to 20 miles per hour!