By Mahipal Singh Chouhan
Published Sep 21, 2024

Hindustan Times

Photo Credits: Unsplash

5 animals that eat their own kids

Some species engage in filial cannibalism, consuming their offspring for survival or energy.

Harsh environments force certain animals to sacrifice their young for sustenance.

In overcrowded situations, parents may cull weaker offspring to reduce competition for resources.

Some animals turn to cannibalism during times of stress or overcrowded living conditions.

Consuming young can be a response to unfavorable environmental or nutritional conditions.

Here are five animals that eat their offspring:

Chimpanzees sometimes eat newborns when males doubt paternity to increase their breeding chances.

Male lions kill and occasionally eat cubs from other males to quickly breed with females.

Hamster mothers may eat their newborns when suffering from nutrient deficiency.

Cane toad tadpoles consume their younger siblings in resource-scarce environments.

Polar bears have increased cannibalism due to food scarcity caused by climate change.