Fennec Fox

desert · tiny hunter · big ears · North Africa

Enormous ears. The fennec fox has ears that are almost half the size of its entire head. These giant ears work like built-in air conditioners, releasing heat from the desert into the air so the fox doesn't overheat.

Smallest fox ever. Fennec foxes weigh only about 1.5 pounds, which makes them much smaller than house cats. Despite their tiny size, they're fierce hunters that sneak through the sand looking for insects, rodents, and eggs.

Desert champion. These foxes live in the hot, dry deserts of North Africa and have special kidneys that help their bodies use water super efficiently so they don't need to drink much. Their light-colored fur reflects the sun's heat to keep them cool.

Underground listeners. The fennec's huge ears don't just cool it down, they also pick up tiny sounds made by prey burrowing beneath the sand. When it hears something, it can dig incredibly fast to catch its meal.

Built for survival. Even the fennec's feet are specially adapted, with fuzzy padding that protects them from hot sand. Everything about this little fox, from head to toe, is designed for life in one of Earth's harshest environments.