Study of Yellowstone Wolves Infected by Parasite Increases Risk-Taking Behavior

[richmondrat]

A new study shows that wolves in Yellowstone are increasingly becoming infected by Toxoplasmosis by eating mountain lion scat. The infection causes an increase in Risk-Taking behavior which increases likelihood of the individual to become a pack leader and incidentally lead the pack to more potentially dangerous situations. The parasite can also technically pass to/from humans as well (in the same method).

I've heard of this amongst domestic cat owners but not wolves.

Mind-controlling parasite turns wolves into pack leaders

A parasite that can alter animal behavior is changing the habits of infected wolves in Yellowstone, increasing aggression and goading them into taking greater risks.

www.livescience.com

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

Here’s a specimen.

 

[Gerald Martin]

Siri, dictate a memo- “Do not eat mountain lion scat.”

Copy that.

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Do you feel at risk of consuming wolf turds....

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

Do you feel at risk of consuming wolf turds....

Is that it? I didn’t read the article. I thought it was consuming lion feces and then becoming a deranged wolf leader.

 

[Gerald Martin]

This scene never made sense until now. Pretty obvious what these guys were eating.

 

[MinnesotaHunter]

Is that it? I didn’t read the article. I thought it was consuming lion feces and then becoming a deranged wolf leader.

I think they are still trying to figure out which one Liver King ate...

 

[thomas89]

I think they are still trying to figure out which one Liver King ate...

***injected