Fennec foxes are among the most attractive desert mammals. Their most outstanding features are enormous ears, which are up to six inches long. Their ears have the dual purpose of helping tract prey while remaining alert to enemies, as well as acting as a radiator to rid their small bodies of excess heat. These small canines are only 14 to 16 inches longs, and weigh approximately 3 pounds. Their fur varies from reddish cream to pale fawn with long, bushy, white or black-tipped tails about 7 inches long.
Fennec foxes are primarily nocturnal whose large, dark eyes provide good night vision.
They have thick hair between their toe pads to move quickly and quietly across sandy surfaces. Fennecs live in arid regions of North Africa, the Sinai and Arabian Peninsulas. Primarily found in sandy areas, they usually live in burrows lined with a collection of soft materials such as feathers and bits of fur. The fennec fox is similar in appearance and life-style to the North American kit fox. Fennec foxes eat various foods including dates and plant materials, jerboas and other small rodents, birds, eggs, lizards and insects such as migrating locusts.