The Fennec Fox is a remarkable little animal found in Nubia and other
parts of Northern Africa, where it resides in burrows excavated in the
sand. Its body, head included, does not measure more than thirteen
inches in length, while its tail, which is very bushy, is about eight
inches long. Its head is narrow, with a pointed muzzle. Its eyes are
large, and the iris of a deep blue color; the sides of its face are
margined by long thick whiskers, while its enormous ears, which are very
broad at the base, erect, and pointed, give a very singular appearance.
The hair covering the body is of a pale fawn or cream color, shading
into white beneath.
Bruce describes the Fennec as being a white Weasel. He had several of
these successively in his possession, and says: “They were all known by
the name of Fennec, and no other, and said to inhabit the date villages,
where they build their nests upon trees.” Of one, which he kept, he
tells us: “Though his favorite food seemed to be dates or sweet fruit,
yet I observed he was very fond of eggs. Pigeons’ eggs and small Birds’
eggs were first brought him, which he devoured with great avidity, but
he did not seem to know how to manage the egg of a hen; when broken for
him, however, he seemed to eat it with the same eagerness as the others.
When he was hungry, he would eat bread, especially with honey or sugar.
It was observable that a Bird, whether confined in a cage near him or
flying across a room, engrossed his whole attention. He followed it with
his eyes wherever it went, nor was he at this time to be diverted by
placing biscuit before him, and it was obvious, by the great interest he
seemed to take in its motions, that he was accustomed to watch for
victories over it, either for his pleasure or his food. He seemed very
much alarmed at the approach of a Cat, and endeavored to hide himself,
but showed no symptom of preparing for any defence. He suffered himself,
not without some difficulty, to be handled in the day, when he seemed
rather inclined to sleep, but was exceedingly restless when night came,
always endeavoring to make his escape, and though he did not attempt the
wire, yet with his sharp teeth he soon mastered the wood of any common
bird-cage.”