The Fascinating Bond Between Ancient Humans and Foxes

Ancient human societies in South America may have had a special relationship with foxes, treating them as revered companions or even pets. Recently, archaeologists discovered a 1,500-year-old human grave in Patagonia, Argentina, containing the remains of a fox. This finding sheds light on the unique bond between early humans and these now-extinct animals.

The buried fox, identified as a member of the Dusicyon avus species, was found to have shared meals with the prehistoric hunter-gatherers and was considered part of the inner circle of their camp. This suggests that the fox was not only a symbol of significance but also a beloved companion to these ancient humans.

Dr. Ophélie Lebrasseur from the University of Oxford, who was involved in the research, believes that the relationship between humans and foxes was more than just symbolic. She suggests that the fox was a source of companionship and emotional support for the individuals of the hunter-gatherer society.

The discovery of the fox in the Cañada Seca burial site highlights the close connection between humans and animals in ancient times. While teeth of wild foxes have been found in other burial sites, finding a near-complete skeleton of a fox alongside a human in a grave is exceptionally rare.

The extinct Dusicyon avus species was a medium-sized fox weighing between 10-15 kg, and it went extinct around 500 years ago, not long after domestic dogs were introduced to the region. This indicates that the relationship between humans and foxes may have shifted with the arrival of dogs as domestic companions.

The study, led by Dr. Cinthia Abbona of the Institute of Evolution in Mendoza, Argentina, was published in the journal Royal Society Open Science. This groundbreaking research provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between ancient humans and animals, shedding light on the deep-rooted connection between our ancestors and their animal companions.