A baby smiles for the camera...
Fennec foxes are are small, cute, nocturnal animals found in the Sahara dessert. Their red coat and unusually large ears, which are used to evaporate heat, are their most distinguishable features. 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. Fennec foxes are social mammals and form little groups, like packs. Each group has at least 10 individuals. But, during breeding season, males become aggressive and mark their territory. When it comes to food habits, fennec foxes are onivores. They mostly eat shrub and plants, but also eat rodents, eggs, reptiles, and insects. Like most desert dwellers, the fennec fox has developed the ability to go for long periods without water. These foxes are cream-colored with black-tipped tails. Their adorable appearance makes them favorites of the captive pet trade, the main reason that they are endangered and local peoples also hunt the fennec fox for its fur. Little is known about the status of wild fennec fox populations.