Bat-Eared Fox hunting in South Africa

A Bat-eared Fox has black legs, and a pointed black face and is named after its large black ears which are used to locate its prey. These massive ears are used for hunting insects, small reptiles, locusts and termites which make up 80 - 90% of their diet. Their teeth are much smaller than other members of the fox family, a special adaptation for its insectivorous diet. A Bat-eared Fox’s body is covered with soft tawny fur making for a sought-after pelt. Bat-eared Foxes are more commonly found in the semi-arid savannahs in the drier western regions of the country. They do not occur in the northeastern parts of the country and along the coastline. They are best hunted in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape, Free State and North West provinces. Bat-eared Foxes are hunted at night with the aid of a spotlight and called into range with the use of a predator caller. During the cooler winter months, they may be found out and about feeding in small groups, especially at dawn or dusk while you are busy hunting other plains game species. Classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN. Special hunting permits are required in some provinces.