Bat-eared fox is a small fox with extremely large ears. Compared with the small size of its head, the animal’s large ears resemble those of many bats. The large ears help the bat-eared fox locate underground insects that make up much of its diet. Bat-eared foxes are found in the dry grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands of Africa.
The bat-eared fox is small and stocky. Its body measures about 18 to 26 inches (46 to 66 centimeters) long, with a tail that adds about 12 inches (30 centimeters) more. Male bat-eared foxes usually weigh about 9 pounds (4.1 kilograms). Females weigh slightly less. Bat-eared foxes have a coat that is grizzled gray with dark-brown or black patches on the ears, legs, and tail. They have bands of light and dark fur on their face that looks like a mask.
Bat-eared foxes eat mostly invertebrates (animals without backbones), such as termites, ants, beetles, grasshoppers, scorpions, and spiders. They also feed on roots, berries, and other fruits. They may also eat small rodents, lizards, bird eggs, and carrion. Adult bat-eared foxes typically have from 46 to 50 teeth—more than any other land mammal. This feature helps them chew the varied insects and vegetable matter they eat.
Bat-eared foxes may dig their own dens or occupy dens made by aardvarks or other animals. Each year, a female bat-eared fox carries her young inside her body for about 60 to 75 days before giving birth. She gives birth to a litter of one to five pups. The male helps raise the pups. Bat-eared foxes are quite social. They sometimes form large groups that help raise pups, locate food, and drive away predators (hunting animals).
Many animals prey upon bat-eared foxes. Predators include hyenas, jackals, leopards, eagles, and large hawks. Bat-eared foxes also are hunted by humans for their fur. Bat-eared foxes may suffer distemper, a contagious disease of dogs, particularly in areas where they live near domestic dogs. Bat-eared foxes may live up to 14 years in captivity.
