News Genetics

The first detailed map of red foxes’ DNA may reveal domestication secrets

For nearly 60 years, scientists in Russia have bred tame and aggressive Vulpes vulpes

red fox with a silver coat

FOXY FRIEND  A nearly 60-year program in Russia has bred tamer and tamer red foxes, including variants like this with a silver coat, that behave much like domestic dogs.

Kingston Photography for the JAB Canid Education and Conservation Center

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

For nearly 60 years, scientists in Siberia have bred silver foxes in an attempt to replay how domestication occurred thousands of years ago.