Wildlife

“Grolar” Bears - Polar bears and Grizzly bears starting to mate more often

A hunter has shot and killed a rare 'grolar bear' in Canada as researchers warn the existence of the hybrid could ultimately spell the end of the polar bear, the world's largest land carnivore.

Polar and grizzly bears are increasingly mating with each other as the warming Arctic allows the two species to come into contact more often. A number of hybrids have been DNA tested in recent years.

However researchers have warned the existence of hybrid pizzlies or grolars could lead to the death of the polar bear species, according to a report in The Washington Post.

Normally grizzlies are put off going into polar bear territory because they struggle in deep snow.

But higher temperatures mean they have been extending their range in recent years with roaming males coming into contact with female polar bears.

While first generation hybrid bears are equally grizzly and polar bear, further breeding with grizzlies will gradually reduce the level of polar genes.

Bat Invasion - Australia

Batemans Bay, just south of Sydney, has been overrun by an influx of arts which is terrorising locals. The enormous influx of the species of megabats has easily overtaken the town which has a human population of just 11,000.

Experts believe that one in four grey-headed flying foxes that live in Australia have now made their home in the town.

Residents have complained about the foul odor and terrible screeching noise emitted by the unwanted inhabitants. The bats set up a colony in the town years ago but their numbers have rapidly multiplied recently. Bats can now be spotted on nearly "every surface and in every tree" according to residents.

The destructive bats have caused power cuts, kept tourists away and hit property prices. But this is nothing compared to the inconvenience and trauma it has caused the residents.

The New South Wales Government announced that the community will receive 2.5 million Australian dollars to help with the relocation of the bats.