A video warning against keeping foxes as pets has gone viral on Instagram.
The clip was shared by Juniper & Friends (@juniperfoxx), a “miniature wildlife sanctuary” in North Florida, according to a caption shared with the post. The video has been viewed 1.9 million times since it was posted three days ago.
The caption accompanying the post read, “I thought it was time to do my bi-annual PSA on why ordinary people don't want wild animals living in their homes.
“The animals featured in our videos cannot be released back into the wild because they are no longer able to care for themselves due to human intervention or physical injury,” the caption added.
This video highlights “5 Reasons You Don't Want a Fox as a Pet,” from how foxes can't be housetrained to the high cost of exotic pet visits.
Is it legal to keep a fox as a pet?
According to a July 2023 WebMD paper medically reviewed by veterinarian Kathleen Clausen and 2024 data compiled by World Population Review, an independent organization that provides global population data and demographics. , approximately 15 to 18 states in the United States reportedly allow foxes to be kept as pets.
These states include: Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The WebMD article points out that there are no domesticated foxes in the United States, and all species of foxes are considered wild animals, including red foxes, gray foxes, arctic foxes, and fennec foxes.
Reasons why you don't want to keep a pet fox
The aforementioned WebMD article warns: “Foxes can be trained, but you can't train them the same way as dogs. Dogs have been bred to serve humans first and foremost, but foxes are not. Foxes. Training requires serious effort and dedication. “
A recent clip on Instagram shared by the wildlife sanctuary highlighted some of the issues you may encounter with pet foxes, as seen below.
“100% the house will never be destroyed.”
The footage shows the fox appearing to urinate in a bowl. The message in the video reads: “Foxes communicate using urine and feces, and this behavior cannot be broken.”
The WebMD article explained that all foxes have a “compulsion to mark their territory,” and that marking involves a strong scent.
The caption shared with the video said the fox “smells like a horrible mix of ammonia and ammonia.” [marijuana] And if you value your neighbors and your social life, you probably don't want them in your home. ”
They are “smart” and “destructive”
The video shows a fox sticking its head inside what looks like a cookie jar, before another fox eats a torn food bag containing what looks like a tortilla wrap. The situation is also shown. Another shot shows the corner of what appears to be a torn wooden panel.
The WebMD article states that foxes are “highly energetic” and will “destroy their cages out of boredom” if they are not given enough nutrition.
“Very noisy”
In the latest viral video, foxes can be heard playing with each other and making noises. The WebMD article states that while foxes may be elusive characters, they are “very noisy” and have been “known to scream like humans during mating season, especially on January nights.” he added.
requires a special diet
A viral video shows a fox eating from a container outdoors. The clip reads, “Foxes need a fresh diet that includes raw meat. Without the taurine found in raw meat, foxes can go blind and suffer from seizures.”
expensive vet visits
The video shows what appears to be a medical bill of $452, with an overlay message stating that a visit to a veterinarian in another country is “more expensive than a regular vet visit.”
The caption accompanying the latest post reads, “Exotic pets can make great companions, but often people think they're getting a novelty thing and later decide they prefer it to a traditional pet.'' They find themselves with much more responsibility and find themselves in rescues and unfortunate situations.”
“I want you to eliminate my influence.”
Instagram users are praising the fox and its antics in the latest viral clip, with some saying they're glad they don't have one as a pet.
User mrs_weatherwax said, “…I'm so tempted that I want you to remove my influence.''
User itzamitza_ simply said, “Tortillas hahahaha.”
“Iconic cookie jar leap,” user fundiegirldoll wrote.
User tinamosullivan13 said, “I love foxes. They are so beautiful. I would love to pet them and play with them, but I don't have a cat at home…”
User cupidofcrimeee said: “Foxes are my favorite and I wanted a pet fox, but when I looked into it, I was told no way.”
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, finding common ground and finding connections.
