By Sheetal Kumari | September 25, 2024
Some animals engage in cannibalism, even devouring their offspring. Here are nine species that shockingly eat their own young for survival or instinct.
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Male lions eat cubs if they find them dead. Another exception is extreme hunger when no other food is available. Both are rare occurrences.
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When resources are low, polar bear mothers may consume their cubs to conserve energy, especially during harsh Arctic winters.
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Hamster mothers sometimes eat their newborns if they sense a threat, lack of food, or feel stressed after giving birth.
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Some snake species, like pythons, may devour their offspring when under extreme stress or if resources are scarce in their environment.
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Chickens may peck and eat their chicks if they’re sick, weak, or appear abnormal, seeing them as a liability to the flock.
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Rats may cannibalize their babies if they’re sick or weak, helping the mother conserve energy and protect the rest of the litter.
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In the fish world, guppies often eat their own fry, viewing them as easy prey, especially if food sources are limited.
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Mother scorpions may eat their young if they are malnourished or if the babies are born weak, ensuring her survival.
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Female black widows might eat their own egg sacs if stressed, hungry, or if the young are unlikely to survive the environment.
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