**Racinos, not raccoons, are 'cuter' according to scientists**
Urban animals in North America, specifically raccoons, have started showing signs of domestication. A study published in Frontiers in Zoology suggests that the animals are evolving to become more "cute" and "pet-like". The researchers found that the snouts of urban-dwelling raccoons are 3.5% shorter than those of their rural counterparts.
Domestication is often seen as a natural process where humans choose to domesticate wild animals, but in this case, it appears that the raccoons chose us and our trash. The animals were drawn to the abundance of food in urban areas, particularly bins and scraps, which allowed them to survive and pass on their "not-so-skittish" genes.
As a result, urban raccoons have become bolder and more confident, exhibiting behaviors such as riding public transportation and stealing food from bakeries. The study's findings suggest that domestication is taking place, but it's still in its early stages.
The researchers found that the snouts of urban-dwelling raccoons are shorter than those of their rural counterparts. This is just one of several features that can be associated with domestication syndrome, including decreased brain and body size, floppy ears, curly tails, and patchy markings.
Studies on other animals have shown similar trends in domesticated species. In 1959, a Russian geneticist named Dmitry Belyaev started breeding silver foxes to create a more docile animal. After ten generations, the foxes had become friendlier and acquired characteristics such as piebald markings, droopy ears, and curly tails.
The study's lead author suggests that domestication may occur through changes in behavior influenced by cells called neural crest cells during embryonic development. This theory is supported by the fact that neural crest cells contribute to various structures in the body, including organs and tissues.
However, full domestication of raccoons is still a long way off. The study's findings are tentative, and more research is needed to confirm the extent of domestication. Nevertheless, it's clear that urban raccoons have become increasingly comfortable around humans and are adapting to our presence in their environment.
Urban animals in North America, specifically raccoons, have started showing signs of domestication. A study published in Frontiers in Zoology suggests that the animals are evolving to become more "cute" and "pet-like". The researchers found that the snouts of urban-dwelling raccoons are 3.5% shorter than those of their rural counterparts.
Domestication is often seen as a natural process where humans choose to domesticate wild animals, but in this case, it appears that the raccoons chose us and our trash. The animals were drawn to the abundance of food in urban areas, particularly bins and scraps, which allowed them to survive and pass on their "not-so-skittish" genes.
As a result, urban raccoons have become bolder and more confident, exhibiting behaviors such as riding public transportation and stealing food from bakeries. The study's findings suggest that domestication is taking place, but it's still in its early stages.
The researchers found that the snouts of urban-dwelling raccoons are shorter than those of their rural counterparts. This is just one of several features that can be associated with domestication syndrome, including decreased brain and body size, floppy ears, curly tails, and patchy markings.
Studies on other animals have shown similar trends in domesticated species. In 1959, a Russian geneticist named Dmitry Belyaev started breeding silver foxes to create a more docile animal. After ten generations, the foxes had become friendlier and acquired characteristics such as piebald markings, droopy ears, and curly tails.
The study's lead author suggests that domestication may occur through changes in behavior influenced by cells called neural crest cells during embryonic development. This theory is supported by the fact that neural crest cells contribute to various structures in the body, including organs and tissues.
However, full domestication of raccoons is still a long way off. The study's findings are tentative, and more research is needed to confirm the extent of domestication. Nevertheless, it's clear that urban raccoons have become increasingly comfortable around humans and are adapting to our presence in their environment.
. I mean, who wouldn't want a cute little bandit stealing your trash? But seriously, it's kinda cool that these urban animals have started showing signs of domestication. I've seen some of them riding public transport and stuff, they're like little troublemakers 
. The fact that their snouts are shorter is pretty interesting too, but I'm not sure if it's just a coincidence or if there's something more going on.
so apparently racinos (aka urban raccoons) are becoming super cute & pet-like!! 
they're evolving to be more bold & confident, like they own the place! 
riding public transport & stealing food from bakeries? yes pls! 
and can u believe it's all 'cause of us leaving out food for them? 
i mean i guess it's kinda sad that they're choosing our trash over their natural habitat, but at the same time... 
it's kinda cool that they're adapting to life in the city! 
so yeah, racinos are taking over & we should probably just get used to 'em! 
. We're basically choosing to hang out with these animals and feeding them like they're our pets. I mean, have you seen the pictures of people riding public transportation with raccoons on their laps? It's wild! 
.
and btw, those silver foxes from 1959 were basically the OG domesticated animal experiment 
. And what's next? Are we gonna start breeding raccoons to be even more annoying with their cute little faces and dexterous hands? 
I don't think so. Mark my words, this "domestication" thing is just a bunch of hooey 
. We need to take responsibility for our actions and not let these animals take advantage of us. By the way, have you seen those raccoons stealing food from bakeries? Gross! 
. Plus, we're the ones messing with their natural behavior by feeding them and giving them shelter. It's like we're playing with fire here... or should I say, food scraps 
.
So, basically these racinos are evolving to be cuter on purpose 
. But seriously, it's pretty cool to see these urban animals adaptin' to city life and makin' us laugh at the same time 
.
Plus, have you seen their snouts?! Who thought that was cute? 
. Stats: urban raccoons have decreased brain size by 2.3% compared 2 rural ones 
, & their snouts r only 1.9% shorter now 
. Mind blown!