Raccoons, rats & other wild animals that are becoming domesticated

Featured • Lifestyle

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July 21, 2023

Wild at heart

It’s hard to imagine that dogs weren’t always cuddly and fluffy in various sizes and shapes, but were once wild animals. It’s also been centuries since horses became domesticated enough to ride, cats became house pets, and sheep and goats became livestock. The common thread that makes an animal domesticated? They rely on humans.

Here are other animals that are becoming more and more domesticated as time goes on.

Pigeons Line Up in New York City
TerryJ/istockphoto

Pigeon

Pigeons have been living alongside humans for thousands of years, and there’s an interesting reason why they are particularly prevalent in urban areas. The birds originally made their homes in North Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, along the rocky cliffs and ledges found there. Their natural inclination towards hard surfaces translates well to city living.

Eventually, humans learned that pigeons could work for them thanks to the birds’ homing instinct that made them able to carry written messages over long distances, and then find their way back.

Racoon in a trash can
Lupico / iStock

Raccoon

Raccoons are synonymous with trash can raids, and they can be found in more and more areas where people are living. In fact, raccoons may even seem friendly and come close to you, especially if they see that you have food. Don’t be fooled — the animals are known for possibly carrying rabies and parasites, and can also be quite destructive towards property.  It’s best to keep a distance and never treat them like a pet.

Red fox
DamianKuzdak/istockphoto

Red fox

As their habitat shrinks, red foxes are becoming more and more used to humans. The animals are likely to scavenge from garbage cans or even approach humans without much fear while looking for food.

Proud Caribou
Dennis Welker/istockphoto

Reindeer

Reindeer are one of the only species of deer that have been widely domesticated, according to the FDA. Herds are generally managed by humans and have adapted to being cared for by them. These days, reindeer are often used to pull heavy loads as draft animals.

Closeup shot of a gray-brownish rat

Rats

Much like pigeons, rats are synonymous with urban areas. They have learned to rely on human garbage for food, and man-made structures for shelter. Thanks to living alongside humans, rats seem to be developing less fear of them as time goes on.

Sparrow (Rafinesque Passeridae)
tracielouise/istockphoto

Sparrow

 Though house sparrows started as wild birds, they have become highly adapted to living with humans. The birds often build nests in buildings and are dependent on humans for food, usually eating birdseed from feeders or leftover crumbs.

Small african hedgehog pet on green grass outdoors on summer day. Keeping domestic animals and caring for pets concept.
Bilanol/istockphoto

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are becoming increasingly popular as pets. Breeders have focused on producing hedgehogs that have docile temperaments and different coat colors, plus making them more adaptable to living in enclosures. Even as pets, hedgehogs are nocturnal; and it’s easy for the animals to become overweight in captivity.

Close-Up Of Hand Holding Sugar Glider
Riza Azhari/istockphoto

Sugar gliders

 These small, gliding marsupials are native to Australia and are related to kangaroos and koalas. They’ve become popular as pets worldwide, as they can form strong bonds with their caretakers. They can live up to 15 years and are typically very social, so need special care as a pet.

Brazilian Capybara
MesquitaFMS/istockphoto

Capybaras

Capybaras, the largest rodents in the world, have gained popularity as exotic pets in some regions. These animals are very social, so if they’re going to be a domestic pet, it’s generally recommended to have more than one. The large animals (they can get up to 170 pounds) are not legal everywhere, and some states require documentation to own one.

Funny mini pig. Micro piglet for a walk. Funny teacup pig.
Olena Lialina/istockphoto

Miniature pigs

Miniature pigs aren’t wild in and of themselves., but they were bred from wild boars to be smaller in size and more suitable as pets. Still, mini pigs can be quite large pets — they’re still considered mini even if they weigh up to 350 pounds.

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Alex Andonovska

Alex Andonovska is a staff writer at Cheapism and MediaFeed, based in Porto, Portugal. With 12 years of writing and editing at places like TheVintageNews.com, she’s your go-to for all things travel, food, and lifestyle. Alex specializes in turning “shower thoughts” into well-researched articles and sharing fun facts that are mostly useless but sure to bring a smile to your face. When she's not working, you'll find her exploring second-hand shops, antique stores, and flea markets.
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Last modified: July 21, 2023

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About the Author /

Alex Andonovska is a staff writer at Cheapism and MediaFeed, based in Porto, Portugal. With 12 years of writing and editing at places like TheVintageNews.com, she’s your go-to for all things travel, food, and lifestyle. Alex specializes in turning “shower thoughts” into well-researched articles and sharing fun facts that are mostly useless but sure to bring a smile to your face. When she's not working, you'll find her exploring second-hand shops, antique stores, and flea markets.