Why you probably shouldn't have a fox as a pet: Instincts and dietary needs

Foxes have evolved to survive in the wild and possess characteristics that make them not really suitable as pets.

While they look adorable, they are really high-maintenance, and non-specialists can't normally create perfect conditions for them.

Here's why.

Predatory instincts

Foxes are natural hunters and possess sharp teeth and claws, which can be a safety concern for humans and other household pets. 

They may exhibit aggressive behavior, especially when feeling threatened or territorial.

Specialized dietary needs

Their nutritional requirements differ from those of typical domesticated animals, and providing them with a proper diet can be difficult and expensive.

Legal restrictions

Many jurisdictions have regulations prohibiting or strictly regulating the ownership of foxes as pets. 

This is primarily due to concerns about public safety, zoonotic diseases, and the potential for foxes to negatively impact local ecosystems if released or escape into the wild.

Specific needs

They require large spaces to roam, dig, and exhibit their natural behaviors. 

Foxes are social animals that live in family groups in the wild, and the solitary confinement of a domestic setting can lead to stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues.
 

• Related news:
• wild animals
• pets facts
• pets
• foxes
• 15 June 2023

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