Are Urban Foxes Self-Domesticating in Cities?

The red fox, Vulpes vulpes, is increasingly spotted in urban environments, suggesting a phenomenon researchers term “self-domestication.” As cities grow, the interactions between foxes and humans are becoming more frequent, particularly in areas like Cambridge.

Red Foxes in Urban Settings

Traditionally nocturnal, red foxes have adapted their behaviors, leading to more sightings during twilight hours. This shift raises questions about evolutionary changes and the potential for self-domestication among urban fox populations.

The Concept of Self-Domestication

Self-domestication differs from standard domestication, where one species controls another, often selecting favorable traits. In contrast, self-domestication occurs when a species adapts to its environment without human intervention.

• Reduced aggression is a key trait in domestication.
• Other traits include changes in morphology, such as brain size and pigment loss.

Historically, species like chickens evolved from wild red junglefowl through domestication. In urban centers, foxes may be undergoing similar evolutionary changes due to their proximity to humans.

Evidence of Changes in Urban Foxes

Recent studies indicate both behavioral and morphological changes between urban and rural foxes. A 2020 study highlighted notable differences in skull structure:

• Urban foxes have shorter snouts and smaller brain cases than their rural counterparts.

This adaptation enables urban foxes to scavenge effectively. The shorter snouts may result in a slower jaw closing speed, which is advantageous as they often rely on stationary food sources rather than hunting live prey. Moreover, having a shorter snout is energetically beneficial for them in urban settings.

Behavioral Adaptations

Another 2020 study reported that urban foxes exhibited bolder behaviors towards novel food objects compared to their rural relatives. This Change in behavior suggests an adaptation to urban life, where food resources may be more accessible.

These friendly interactions with humans reflect a self-imposed selection for traits that facilitate survival in city environments. However, experts caution that while these changes are evident, urban foxes are still fundamentally wild animals.

The Future of Urban Foxes

Dr. Blake Morton, who studied behavioral adaptations in urban foxes, states that complete domestication is still far off. According to Morton, “It wouldn’t be for many, many generations.” Foxes have not abandoned their wild instincts, despite the gradual changes they exhibit.

As urban fox populations increase, it becomes essential to coexist with these remarkable animals while recognizing their wild nature. Observing such creatures in urban settings may be trivial, yet it emphasizes the ongoing adaptation of species in response to human encroachment.