America's animals are getting fatter, too

It's no surprise that America's pet cats and dogs have been getting fatter in the last few decades, their lives becoming more sedentary by the day right along with their owners. But what can we make of the fact that other animals are getting fatter, as well? Zoo animals could perhaps be explained by zookeepers feeding their charges more sugary treats. But how to explain the epidemic of obesity among feral rats?

One researcher has found startling evidence that chemicals in our environment (including hormone disruptors like phthalates, which are found in most plastics) may be to blame. Either that, or those feral rats need to stop eating Cheetos and get out and run more often?

Image courtesy Flickr/deletem3