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science19h ago
City life is reshaping raccoons – and may be nudging them toward domestication
- Urban raccoons in the United States show physical changes, including shorter snouts, compared with rural counterparts.
- Researchers analyzed nearly 20,000 iNaturalist photos to compare urban and rural raccoon populations.
- Trash and close human presence may create selection pressures that favor tame raccoons in cities.
- The study discusses the Neural Crest Domestication Syndrome as a potential explanation for observed changes.
- The findings align with similar urban wildlife research on red foxes in London showing shorter, wider muzzles.
- Experts caution that more evidence is needed to confirm a true domestication pathway for urban raccoons.
- City life is described as a niche offering abundant food scraps and fewer predators, driving urban adaptation.
- Raccoons that are bold enough to access resources but not aggressive may thrive in urban areas.
- Arina Hinzen notes urban wildlife in New York City shows high habituation to people and environments.
- The study’s findings are part of ongoing dialogue on how urbanization reshapes wildlife biology and behavior.
- Researchers emphasize the need for additional studies to confirm whether urban raccoons are on a domestication path.
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