USARK Alert: Arlington County, VA

[Crowfingers]

If they're coming from a reputable breeder, the designer foxes are 4-6 generations removed from the wild at least, and would never be able to survive on their own, much like the bunnies discussed early. I'm not for banning, but I sure am for requiring a permit to obtain and keep, as well as a separate permit to breed and sell. Foxes are a lot like parrots, high maintenance pets that need large enclosures with both indoor and outdoor space and a good deal of mental simulation and socialization to keep them out of trouble. Like any exotic, not everyone should own one, only those really dedicated to the challenge and understand the needs of their animal. Raccoons however NEVER tame out the way foxes have proven able to do and should not be kept as pets. And ALL wild babies should never be collected or kept as pets; wildlife rehabs only if it's a baby that needs help!

I second that. Especially the part about raccoons and wild orphans (it's so hard to convince people that release is the best outcome for everyone involved). I have a friend in Northern Va and her clinic euthanizes foxes regularly for "behavior issues" since people try and treat them like house cats and they just aren't. I love foxes, one of my favorite things to raise, but man, I would never want one as a pet.