How human food is changing wildlife

[Still Waters]

If a bear is awake, it is hungry; any rubbish bin, landfill site, farm or even a car could provide a meal.

But in an increasingly urbanised landscape, bears and other wildlife eat more "human food", which is shifting their behaviour and biology.

A study in the journal Scientific Reports found that bears with a diet rich in human food hibernated as much as 50 days less in the winter.

That had "hidden effects", beyond the basic need for more winter rest.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-47307435