The World’s First Genetically Domesticated Foxes
In a canid report for Verge Science from September 2018, writer/producer William Poor talks about a 60 year old experiment by Dmitri Belyayev, a Russian zoologist who sought to create domesticated fox companions by using selective behavior traits in breeding.
A number of the descended results of this experiment wound up on a ranch near San Diego, California, where they live with Amy and David Bassett. The Bassetts have grown to understand these domesticated vulpines, but note this genetic domestication is something very different than that found in traditional pets. While the foxes are friendly enough, they are not affectionate in the way that that dogs are. This question is part of the ongoing study, which is now being overseen by Lyudmila Trut at the Evolution Institute.
Related Laughing Squid PostsWe meet the very cute and very bizarre result of an almost 60-year-long experiment: they're foxes that have been specially bred for their dog-like friendliness toward people. We do a little behavior research of our own, and discover what scientists continue to learn from the world's most famous experiment in domestication.
- New Jersey Man and His Daughter Capture Adorable Photos of a Troop of Baby Foxes That They Found in Their Backyard
- How Domestic Dogs and Cats Came to Have Such a Long History With Humans
- Stunning Photos of Red Foxes in The Netherlands Learning to Navigate in Rare Blizzard Conditions
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