Bears become vegetarian

21-Apr-2026

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A global study reveals that rising temperatures and longer growing seasons are causing bears to shift from predominantly meat-based diets to more plant-heavy ones, a phenomenon called trophic rewiring. 

Research combining modern data and fossils shows bears ate more animal prey during the Ice Age but have moved toward plants as vegetation increased post-glacially. 

This dietary shift impacts ecosystems by altering seed dispersal and prey control, with climate change and human land use potentially increasing human-bear conflicts.