Research on domesticating wild animals has gotten some press lately. Not only does this research provide a possibility for neat pets... but we are learning more about genetics and selective breeding.
Foxes have actually been used in this research for many years. One study has been continuing for 45 years! Each generation has been selectively bred for tameness—fearlessness and nonaggression toward humans. By now the foxes in the project behave like pet dogs, barking and wagging their tails at humans. Also, instead of having a red coat colour, these domesticated foxes have a "piebald" colour.
National Geographic has a great article this month on taming wild animals. You can read more and see more pictures on the website: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/03/taming-wild-animals/ratliff-text
Would you like a pet fox?
