What Is a Marble Fox?
Marble foxes aren’t a naturally occurring species. Instead, they’re the offspring of red and silver foxes purposefully bred by humans. Other names for the animal include “Canadian marble fox,” and “Arctic marble fox.”
What Makes Them Special?
Primarily, it’s the fur — their thick, gorgeous, coveted fur. Secondly, they’re delightfully clever animals. The feature that is most loved about the marble fox is the symmetrical dark pattern above their eyebrow and along their nose. Some marble foxes have black stripes that frame the sides of their face, and these are especially rare. The marble fox is bred for various blends of grey, black, and brown, like marble. They are also known for an exceptionally furry, pointy muzzle and large ears.
Beautiful Fur
As their name suggests, Canadian marble fox coats are reminiscent of stone marble: mostly white with delicate streaks of gray, black, or tan artistically woven throughout. Scientifically speaking, their coloration is a genetic mutation known as a “color phase.” The highlight hue typically runs down the spine and across the face. Many look like they’re wearing old-fashioned burglar masks.
Cunning Intelligence
Their second calling card is intelligence. After all, there’s a reason we say “sly as a fox!” To keep them happy and healthy, use puzzles. If you’re lucky, they’ll spend time playing with the games instead of plotting ways to nab things from the house!
Do Marble Foxes Make Good Pets?
Foxes are popular “exotic pets,” but they’re illegal to keep in 35 states. If you’re looking for a “Canadian Marble Fox for Sale” sign in the window, you may need to move. Folks in the following jurisdictions can legally own foxes:
ArkansasFloridaIndianaKentuckyMichiganMissouriNebraskaNew YorkNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaSouth DakotaTennesseeUtahWyoming
But just because you can have a pet fox doesn’t mean you should have a pet fox.
Cautions
People with cats and small dogs shouldn’t get foxes. They get on like Hamilton and Burr — terribly! Never, never, ever put a kitten near a marble fox. Chickens are also untenable yard partners.
Needs
Before welcoming a marble fox into your home, do the research — and then do it again! Living with one is vastly different than living with a dog or cat. For instance, you don’t need a large, enclosed outdoor pen with a roof and three-story tower for the average family pet — but for a fox it’s a must. They enjoy straw, dirt, and hiding places for playtime as well. Activity and lots of attention are also on the marble fox must-have list. If these needs aren’t met, they will get destructive.
Bonding and Buying
The first six months are critical bonding times for foxes, and finding one as young as possible is best. It could mean the difference between a successful and fraught relationship. Foxes are typically born in April, so start contacting breeders in March. According to owners, talking to them incessantly during the baby bonding period goes a long way. They learn your voice, which strengthens the relationship. Here’s another marble fox tip: never spend more than $600 on one!
Litter Training
Believe it or not, foxes can be litter trained. It will take much longer than it does for cats, who instinctively understand that “the sandbox is for peeing.” Prepare to work on it for months with marble foxes. But once they get it, they get it!
Marble Fox Nature
Spaying and neutering foxes is a good idea. However, unlike dogs and cats, they will continue to mark their territory post-procedure. Another difference between traditional pets and foxes is predictability — or a lack thereof. We learn our dogs’ and cats’ patterns because they establish daily routines. Their reactions are uniform and predictable, which allows us to plan for their comfort and ours. But marble Foxes — like all wild foxes — are famously unpredictable. One day they may respond positively to a given stimulus and reject it the next.
Things to Understand Before Getting a Fox
Meet Raven and McCoy at the B.C. Wildlife Park
In 2020, two marble foxes named Raven (female) and McCoy (Male) took up residence at the B.C. Wildlife Park in Kamloops, British Columbia after being rescued. The park was struggling financially due to the pandemic, but when it re-opened, the two marble foxes were a draw for locals and tourists, and drew 4,300 visitors that year. Below is a video showcasing the two handsome foxes!
Up Next…
The 10 Largest Wolves in the World Learn about the biggest, most intimidating wolves on Earth.Fox Habitat: Where Do Foxes Live? Let’s take a look at the homes that foxes create for themselves.Fox vs Wolf: The Top 4 Differences of the Grey and Red Canids of the Northern Hemisphere Who is the strongest? Who is the sneakiest? Let’s compare these two fascinating animals to see who comes out on top!
