A video warning against owning foxes as pets has gone viral on Instagram.

The clip was shared by Juniper & Friends (@juniperfoxx), a “micro-wildlife sanctuary” in North Florida, according to the caption shared with the post. The video has had 1.9 million views since it was posted three days ago.

A caption shared with the post says: “I thought it was time for my semi-annual PSA of why the average person would not want a wild animal living in their home.

“The animals you see in our videos are unable to be released to the wild due to human interference or physical injuries that would inhibit them from being able to care for themselves,” the caption added.

The video goes on to highlight “5 Reasons You Don’t Want a Pet Fox,” from how it can’t be house-trained to the high cost of exotic pet visits.

Is It Legal To Have a Fox as a Pet?

Around 15 to 18 U.S. states reportedly allow foxes to be owned as pets, according to a July 2023 WebMD article medically reviewed by veterinarian Kathleen Claussen and 2024 data compiled by World Population Review, an independent organization providing global population data and demographics.

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 notes that no foxes in the U.S. have been domesticated and all species of fox are considered wild animals, including red, gray, Arctic and fennec foxes.

Why You Won’t Want a Pet Fox

The aforementioned WebMD article warned: “Foxes can be trained, but they are not trainable in the same way as a dog is. Dogs have been bred to value serving their human over almost anything else, while foxes have not. Training a fox requires serious dedication.”

The latest viral Instagram clip shared by the wildlife sanctuary highlighted several issues you’ll come across with pet foxes, as noted below.

They’ll ‘Never Be 100 Percent House Broken’

The footage shows a fox appearing to urinate into a bowl. A message across the video says: “Foxes use urine and feces to communicate and this behavior cannot be broken.”

The WebMD article explained that all foxes have an “urge to mark their territory” and their markings carry a strong smell.

The caption shared with the video says foxes “actually smell horrific, like ammonia mixed with [marijuana] and if you value your neighbors or your social life, you don’t want them in your house.”

They’re ‘Smart’ and ‘Destructive’

The video shows a fox poking its head inside what looks like a cookie jar, while another fox is also later seen eating from torn bags of food, including what appeared to be a packet of tortilla wraps. Another shot shows a corner of what appears to be a torn-up wood panel.

The WebMD article notes that foxes are “extremely energetic” and they will “destroy their enclosure out of boredom” if they’re not provided with sufficient enrichment.

They’re ‘Extremely Loud’

Foxes are heard squealing while playing with each other in the latest viral video. While they may be elusive characters, foxes are “extremely loud,” says the WebMD article, adding that they’re “known to scream like humans at night during mating season, particularly in January.”

They Require a Specific Diet

Foxes are shown eating out of containers outdoors in the viral video. A message across the clip says: “They require a fresh diet that includes raw meat. Without taurine, which is found in raw meat, foxes can go blind and have seizures.”

Expensive Vet Visits

A message overlaid on the video notes that exotic vet visits are “more expensive than regular vet visits,” as the footage shows what appears to be a $452 medical bill.

A caption shared with the latest post reads: “Exotic pets can make wonderful companions, but in many cases end up in rescues or unfortunate circumstances when people think they’re getting a novelty and later realize they are much more responsibility than a traditional pet.”

‘Need You to De-Influence Me’

Users on Instagram adored the foxes and their antics in the latest viral clip, with some saying they’re happy to not own them as pets.

User mrs_weatherwax said: “…I am so tempted and need you to de-influence me.”

User itzamitza_ simply said: “The tortillas hahahhaha

User fundiegirldoll wrote: “THE ICONIC COOKIE JAR LEAP.”

User tinamosullivan13 said: “I love foxes, they are stunning. Would love to pet one, play with them but not have them in my home domesticated cats are wild enough for me…”

User cupidofcrimeee said: “Foxes are my favorite and I used to want a pet fox, but I did the research and said absolutely not.”

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