Bat-Eared Fox
The Bat-eared fox, (Otocyon megalotis), is found from mid to southern Africa.
Its adult weight is 7 to 12 lb. Its length from head to the base of its tail is
18 to 24 inches long with a tail one-half as long. Its coloration is light fawn
underneath with mixed hairs of brown and gray above. It has a black mask and legs
as well as black hair on the back of its huge ears. Those ears are its most distinguishing
feature. They have keen hearing to catch insects, small rodents, etc. to add to
their diet which also includes bird eggs and chicks and some vegetable matter.
Wild bat-eared foxes live in small groups. The gestation is about 75 days with
litters of 2 to 6 kits. They are nursed for 14 or 15 weeks.
In Captivity
These fox are avid diggers so their environment must be suitable to prevent their
escape by digging. . We feed DRY Mazuri Wild Canid Food (Made by Purina and can
be ordered in 25 lb. bags through your Purina FEED store). We often partially
soften it with hot water. Although they have one more molar than other carnivores,
their wild diet does not consist of hard foods. This food is complete and no vegetables
or vitamins need to be added. We understand many people have been successful with
Iam's kitten food for some carnivores. We prefer not to feed raw meat to any of
our house, companion, educational animals. We feel the animals have a quieter
nature on commercial food. We also find that this animal has less odor than when
fed a diet of raw meat. We furnish a complete diet and care instructions with
all of our animals.
These are wonderful animals for exhibits and animal education programs. We have
not made a decision on their suitability as pet- companions at this time.
Go to R-Zu-2-U Animal FAQs
Bat-eared Fox