The keeping of foxes as pets has become popular in recent years due to the rise of videos of these animals that circulate by the network, however, we must be aware that not all animals can be considered pets due to their specific needs.
In this article on our site we will talk about the fox as a petIs it legal to have a fox in Spain? Is it advisable to keep this animal, which is wild in nature, in captivity? Next we solve many of your doubts, keep reading!
Is the fox a wild or domestic animal?
Unlike the dog, the wild fox is an animal that has not been domesticated by man in the same way as the dog or the cat, which means that it is not prepared for a proper coexistence with people in an urban environment. In fact, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises that a fox should only be kept in captivity as a last resort and that if an orphaned fox is encountered, the animal should be relocated to awildlife recovery center or in a sanctuary so professionals can take over. [1]
Keeping a wild animal in captivity without having the necessary knowledge about its social, nutritional and behavioral needs can seriously affect its he alth and emotional well-being, and can cause illness, severe stress, anxiety, depression and other behavior problems
What should I do if I find a fox pup or a badly injured fox?
It may happen that, while out on an excursion, we inadvertently disturb a fox den, observe a single fox cub or an injured adult fox. In these cases it is essential not to intervene, but we can place ourselves at a reasonable distance to observe how it develops and whether or not it can fend for itself. In the case of the cubs, it is important to note that the mother may be nearby, observing, or hunting, but it is very likely that she will return to take care of her cubs
On the other hand, if we observe that the animal is in imminent danger or is particularly badly injured, we must call the emergency number 112 and request the telephone number of the rural agents of our autonomous community, who will explain the steps to follow.
Is it legal to have a fox in Spain?
There are different species of foxes that are in danger of extinction and that are protectedby the CITES agreement, therefore, its possession is illegal or is specially controlled. Some of them are:
- Vulpes cana
- Vulpes zerda
- Vulpes bengalensis
- Vulpes vulpes griffithi
- Vulpes vulpes montana
- Vulpes vulpes pusilla
In Spain, the animal protection and welfare law recognizes the fox as a "wild animal kept in captivity" and points out the following general rules that the owner or person in charge must comply with: [2]
- The person who owns or possesses a wild animal kept in captivity is responsible for its protection and well-being in the terms provided herein law.
- To keep wild animals in captivity, you must prove their legal origin, in accordance with the provisions of he alth and trade regulations and nature conservation and other applicable regulations, depending on the case.
- Notwithstanding what is indicated in sections 1 and 2, for the captivity of specimens of wild animals belonging to native species, including those declared as hunting species, thewill be mandatory. express authorization from the competent ministry regarding animal protection. Individual identification by microchip or identification ring of these animals will also be mandatory, according to the procedure established by regulation.
- In the event of possession of specimens of wild animals belonging to species declared as invasive aliens, the requirements established in their specific regulatory regulations will apply.
- The precepts contemplated in articles 22, 23 and 24 will be applicable to all specimens of wild species kept in captivity, except those belonging to species that have specific applicable regulations in which they are collected the competent authorities responsible for their protection and custody. In particular, specimens of wild species housed in a special protection regime, game species and species declared as invasive aliens are excepted.
Therefore, in Spain yes it is legal to have a fox as a pet, although you must prove its origin, have all thepapers in order , whether it is a threatened, non-endangered or endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula. However, is it right to have a fox as a pet? Below we explain some details about their behavior and some of the basic needs of the species:
The fox as a pet
Although there are differences between the different species of foxes and between the individuals themselves, to know if it is correct or not to have a fox as a pet we must pay attention to the behavior of these animals. We will begin by highlighting that a study on the Andean fox indicates that, in captivity, the fox has limited behaviors typical of the species [3]
These behaviors can also be "annoying" or incompatible with our lifestyle. For example, foxes spend most of their time moving (running, jumping, and walking) [3]so they require a large space where they can exercise and move comfortably. They also spend much of the day playing with other members of the species, [3] therefore, for our fox to enjoy an optimal state of well-being, we should have a minimum of two individuals. Let us remember that these are gregarious animals, that is, they live in a community.
They also carry out the typical behavior of marking on different surfaces with feces and urine (as a reproductive strategy and as part of their territorial nature), tend to show protection of resources with food (aggressiveness towards other individuals for food) and regular vocalizations [3]
On the other hand, a study carried out in Estonia on red foxes in urban environments indicates that they are animals crepuscular, with a nocturnal tendency, that they tend to dig through the garbage and that attacks towards other animals are frequent (especially towards cats and poultry).[4] Therefore, we should pay special attention to his early life socialization with other animals and ensure that we can care for him during peak hours.
Care of the fox as a pet
If you have still decided to have a fox as a pet, you need to know some key aspects to ensure good he alth and emotional well-being. We explain how to take care of a fox:
Fox Feeding
On occasion you can feed a fox with balanced dog food [1]However, the ideal is to offer them a diet similar to what they might experience in the wild, from prey that they have hunted and carrion, as they are opportunistic animals.
According to The Fox Project, a fox's diet should consist of 95% meat, such as rabbits, rats, birds and small mammals.4% should be insects and worms and the remaining 1% can consist of small portions of fruit and vegetables. [5] The droppings of a well-fed fox should be consistent, black and well formed, but if this is not the case, and if we also observe fur in poor condition or an abnormal weight, we must check that the diet is adequate.
Finally, a study on nutrition in foxes points out that an excess of protein should be avoided during the summer months, the excessive use of cod oil and fatty meat. On the contrary, it may be interesting to offer supplements of vitamins B and C, potassium iodide and liver. [6]
Physical exercise and mental stimulation
As we have explained, foxes are animals that spend most of their time moving around and playing, accounting for a total of 60% of the time they are awake, therefore, in their day to day is a must have a large, enriched environment where they can sniff, urine mark, dig, and run around.
We can buy all kinds of toys and accessories, especially those designed for dogs, to stimulate play and help them develop their intelligence. Mental stimulation toys, resistant balls or Agility tunnels are some examples.
He alth and preventive medicine
It is essential that, after the adoption, you visit a veterinarian specializing in exotic animals to carry out the necessary tests to ensure that you enjoy a good state of he alth. You will need to apply certain vaccines, as it happens with dogs and cats. In terms of preventive medicine, the fox should follow a schedule of regular vaccination and deworming, as well as regular veterinary visits, around twice a year.
