The Bat-eared Fox (Otocyon megalotis), has tawny fur, with black ears, legs and parts of the pointed face. It averages 55 cm (22 inches) in length (head and body), with ears about 13 cm (5 inches) long. It is the only species in the genus Otocyon. Bat-Eared Foxes are mostly nocturnal animals, emerging from their underground dens at dusk to feed during the night. Their diet primarily consists of insects and other arthropods, especially the harvester termite and dung beetles. They occasionally feed on small rodents, lizards, the eggs and chicks of birds, and plant matter. The characteristic large, round-tipped ears are used to listen for insects underground. Bat-Eared Foxes obtain much of their water from the body fluids of insects. The pairs live in dens and typically raise two to five pups together. Mated pairs are very social, although it is unknown if they mate for life. Another interesting characteristic is that there are five digits on the front feet with long claws for digging and four digits on rear feet.

© 2011 All Rights Reserved

The Bat-eared Fox (Otocyon megalotis), has tawny fur, with black ears, legs and parts of the pointed face. It averages 55 cm (22 inches) in length (head and body), with ears about 13 cm (5 inches) long. It is the only species in the genus Otocyon. Bat-Eared Foxes are mostly nocturnal animals, emerging from their underground dens at dusk to feed during the night. Their diet primarily consists of insects and other arthropods, especially the harvester termite and dung beetles. They occasionally feed on small rodents, lizards, the eggs and chicks of birds, and plant matter. The characteristic large, round-tipped ears are used to listen for insects underground. Bat-Eared Foxes obtain much of their water from the body fluids of insects. The pairs live in dens and typically raise two to five pups together. Mated pairs are very social, although it is unknown if they mate for life. Another interesting characteristic is that there are five digits on the front feet with long claws for digging and four digits on rear feet.

© 2011 All Rights Reserved