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Study Finds Reduced Microbial Diversity in Guts of Wild Bears That Eat Human Food

Erin McKenney

brown-furred marten with grey ears is perched on the branch of a pine tree

Nov 7, 2022

Carnivore Gut Microbes Offer Insight Into Health of Wild Ecosystems

The work highlights an emerging tool that will allow researchers and wildlife managers to assess the health of wild ecosystems. 
a mother bear and cub rest on a beach

Sep 26, 2022

Gut Microbiomes Help Bears With Very Different Diets Reach the Same Size

The study offers insights that will inform wildlife management. 
an adult brown bear and cub stand on a small spit of land with a lake on three sides

Apr 8, 2022

What Shapes Gut Microbiomes of Alaska’s Brown Bears? Location, Location, Location

The finding helps us understand the relationship between wildlife habitat, diet and gut microbiome diversity. 
erin mckenney

Feb 24, 2022

Erin McKenney: A Microbe Love Story

From an internship with Disney’s Animal Kingdom, to lemurs, to sourdough starters, to bear and other carnivore gut microbiome research, Erin McKenney has a diverse set of experiences revolving around microbes. 
mink standing on ground looking at camera

Jan 11, 2022

Study Finds Distinct Gut Microbiomes in Male and Female Carnivores

A recent study found a dramatic difference between the microbial diversity in guts of female and male American minks. The finding suggests there is an unexpected sexual distinction in the gut microbiomes of carnivores. 
illustration with bear with fish in mouth thinking about human food

Jan 5, 2022

Study Finds Reduced Microbial Diversity in Guts of Wild Bears That Eat Human Food

A recent study suggests that eating human food has a pronounced effect on the microbiome of black bears.