Foxes as Prehistoric Pets

Anthropology.net

Our understanding of ancient human-animal relationships has taken an intriguing turn with recent archaeological findings suggesting that foxes may have been more than just wild animals to our ancestors.

Dr. Ophélie Lebrasseur of the University of Oxford remarks,

"This is a very rare find of having this fox that appears to have had such a close bond with individuals from the hunter-gatherer society."

In Patagonia, Argentina, researchers1 uncovered a remarkable burial: a fox interred alongside a human, dating back 1,500 years. The analysis indicates that the fox shared meals with prehistoric hunter-gatherers, suggesting it held a cherished place within the community.

Examination of the animal's skeletal remains indicated that it was a member of the species called Dusicyon avus, which became extinct approximately 500 years ago.

A Surprising Discovery

The burial site of Cañada Seca offers a glimpse into the intimate relationship between ancient humans and foxes. Teeth of wild foxes have been found in ancient human burial sites across Argentina and Peru, hinting at the animal's symbolic significance. However, the discovery of a complete fox skeleton within a human grave is exceptionally rare in global archaeological records.

Dr. Cinthia Abbona of the Institute of Evolution in Mendoza, Argentina, collaborated on the research, shedding light on the significance of this find.

Foxes as Companions

The fox, identified as Dusicyon avus, weighed between 10-15 kg and went extinct approximately 500 years ago, shortly after domestic dogs arrived in Patagonia. Its presence in human burials suggests a close bond that transcended mere symbolism.

"I think it was more than just symbolic; I really do think it was companionship,"

Dr. Lebrasseur suggests, hinting at the possibility of prehistoric foxes serving as pets or valued companions to ancient hunter-gatherer communities.

Published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, this research challenges conventional notions of human-animal relationships in ancient societies and opens new avenues for exploring our shared history with the animal kingdom.

1

Abbona, C. C., Lebrasseur, O., Prevosti, F. J., Peralta, E., González Venanzi, L., Frantz, L., Larson, G., Gil, A. F., & Neme, G. A. (2024). Patagonian partnerships: the extinct Dusicyon avus and its interaction with prehistoric human communities. Royal Society Open Science, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.231835