A resident of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province who paid 5,000 yuan ($814) for what he believed to be a purebred husky realized he'd been hoodwinked when animal experts identified it as a white fox, media reported Monday.

The man surnamed Zhu was informed of his pet's true species after taking it to a local animal protection station.

He has since donated the fox to a local wildlife zoo.

Zhu explained he had purchased the animal from a street vendor one year ago.

As his pet grew, Zhu began to notice that it was a very picky eater, left unusual droppings and most importantly, did not bark.

Zhu became even more confused as the animal grew its narrow muzzle and long, fluffy tail.

Friends would often comment on his pet's uncanny resemblance to a fox, said Zhu.

"I wasn't willing to let it go at first because I've taken care of it for such a long time," said Zhu.

"I caged it for a few days before sending it to the wildlife zoo," he added.