60 Years Ago, A Scientist Attempted To Domesticate Foxes. This Is The Result So Far

September 14, 2018

Can foxes be domesticated?

William Poor, a science producer for Verge Science, met the very cute and very bizarre result of an almost 60-year-long experiment: foxes that have been specially bred for their dog-like friendliness toward people.

The story goes back to 1959, when geneticist Dmitri Belyaev began selectively breeding foxes. Ones that weren't aggressive or afraid of people were allowed to have offspring. After Belyaev’s death in 1985, geneticist Lyudmila Trut took over. Over time, the foxes became more dog-like, but they still have a long way to go.

feel good videoDogs Are Forced To Wear The Things They Steal — And It’s Hilarious

feel good storiesThe Father Who Never Left His Son Behind

feel good storiesHow A Silly 11-Second Song About Dr Pepper Changed Her Life Overnight

feel good storiesMan’s Best Friend: The Story Behind An Unforgettable Tomb In London

feel good storiesSenior Cat Labeled 'Sad And Scared' Finds Forever Home

feel good storiesShe Could Have Kept Walking. Instead, She Stopped And Saved A Life

feel good videoMan Takes A Bull To Starbucks For A Pup Cup

feel good videoHis Kids Wanted To Help With His Videos, So He Let Them Narrate — It’s The Cutest Thing

feel good video'You're a Unicorn': The Dementia Caregiver Who Just Stunned The American Idol Judges

feel good videoCat Steals The Spotlight By Singing Exactly Like His Owner

feel good videoMeet Ella: She's 104, A WWII Veteran, And Swears By Peanut Butter