Man has been domesticating animals for more than 15,000 years. Dogs are likely the first, followed by sheep, pigs, goats, and horses. The widely accepted criteria of “domesticated” include genetic differences from their ancestors, dependence on humans for food, and being unlikely or unable to breed with their wild counterparts.
Although some people keep wild and exotic animals as pets, it’s not recommended. Here are six animals that people shouldn’t domesticate.
(Credit: Agnieszka Bacal/Shutterstock)
Agnieszka Bacal/Shutterstock
No, raccoons aren’t social creatures and don’t generally belong to a community. They require a large area and should never be kept in cages. In the wild, they roam and explore, which they can’t do when confined.
Although they can bond with humans when raised from a baby, they are quick to bite if they are stressed or scared — making them a poor choice for a pet. And they’re nocturnal, leading to sleepless ...
