October 19, 2007

You may not be familiar with the Fennec Fox, but this furry little gremlin is fast becoming a popular pet.

Believed to be an ancestor of the Chihuahua, Fennecs are the world's smallest canine. They belong to the fox family, a fact some say means they shouldn't be allowed as pets.

26 states allow the foxes, many of which require an exotic pet license. Agility and cunning are the animals' best defense – and an endless supply of energy means that if they escape, there's little chance of being caught again.

The “Desert Fox” is native to Northern Africa, where it's regularly hunted for it's pelt. As a result, Fennecs have been listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) list of threatened animals since 1985.

But increased breeding in the United States could change that. Owners claim to have taught them to fetch and even use a litter box.

They weigh up to three pounds, and with fur that covers even the bottoms of their feet, Fennecs are pretty cute.

This isn't the type of pet you'd want to carry around the mall. Fennecs require elaborate enclosures – they like to jump, scurry and burrow. So pet lover beware – do your homework before buying one.

Do you think this endangered species should be allowed as a pet? Tell us what you think by posting comments under this story.

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