Early man's best friend was the fox as the animal was domesticated by humans, research suggests
Notorious for raiding bins and preying on pets, foxes are widely considered a nuisance.
But they used to be man's best friend, according to a study. Researchers analysed remains found at an ancient burial site in Patagonia, Argentina dating back to 450AD.
While it contained the skeletons of 18 adults and six children, there was also evidence that an ancient fox species was buried alongside the humans.
Analysis revealed foxes were buried in the same graves, and had shared a similar diet to humans, indicating a close relationship.
The species of fox discovered - Dusicyon avus - was roughly the size of a German shepherd but is now extinct.
Notorious for raiding bins and preying on pets, foxes are widely considered a nuisance (Stock image)
But, according to a study, they once used to be man's best friend (Stock image)
The researchers, which included scientists from the University of Oxford, suggest the fox was potentially a companion pet for hunter-gatherers.
READ MORE: The dog breeds that really ARE man's best friend - so is YOURS on the list?
AdvertisementHowever, they believe the introduction of the modern dog led to their decline as companion animals.
The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, reads: 'The co-burial of humans and foxes is a rare archaeological record worldwide, and suggests a cultural or symbolic significance.
'Although the reasons for its inclusion in a mortuary context remain unclear, the most plausible explanation is that this fox was a valuable companion to the hunter-gatherer groups.
'Its strong bond with human individuals during its life would have been the primary factor for its placement as a grave good after the death of its owners or the people with whom it interacted.'
Related articles
LeBron James UNFOLLOWS Diddy on Instagram after video of assault on ex
LeBron James has unfollowed Sean 'Diddy' Combs on Instagram.The unfollowing was noted by a Lakers fa2024-05-22China beats Indonesia to claim its 16th Uber Cup title
Chen Yufei of China reacts in the singles match against Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia during2024-05-22Türkiye's Istanbul welcomes 1st Chinese tourist group after pandemic
Chinese tourists are seen at the historical Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, Türkiye, on Aug. 17, 2022024-05-22Texas woman, 34, gives birth to '15million to one' identical QUADRUPLETS
A woman in Texas has given birth to 'mind-blowingly' rare identical quadruplets - a major surprise f2024-05-22Hilarious moment mother asks her Cocker Spaniel to help choose her lottery numbers
This is the hilarious moment a woman enlisted the help of her Cocker Spaniel to help choose her lott2024-05-22- WENCHANG, Hainan, May 3 (Xinhua) -- The Chang'e-6 lunar probe is scheduled to be launched between 52024-05-22
atest comment