A fennec's ears can be half the length of its whole body. They can pick up sounds made by insects and small lizards hiding underground, which the fennec digs up and eats. The ears also work like a radiator: blood flowing close to the surface of the ear skin releases heat into the cool night air, helping the fox stay at a comfortable temperature.
Fennec foxes dig their own burrows in the sand. A family of fennecs shares a network of tunnels that stay cool and dark even when the surface sand is scorching. They come out mostly at dusk and dawn, when temperatures are kinder, and rest underground during the hottest part of the day.
Despite living in such a harsh place, fennec foxes are playful and curious. They eat insects, lizards, eggs, and plant roots, getting most of their water from their food rather than drinking. Their thick, pale, sandy fur reflects sunlight during the day and keeps them warm at night.