Bears are known to be fierce creatures but as we see them more and more on social media, people have dubbed them as cute creatures who can sometimes be a little silly. However, there may be something in that as it seems that bears are getting soft on us. After centuries of them living in close proximity with people, a population of brown bears has evolved to become unusually calm for a species known for its mightiness. (Picture: Getty)
The Apennine brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus), also known as the Marsican brown bear, is a critically endangered subspecies found in the mountains of central Italy, where only about 50 individuals remain in the wild. They diverged from other European brown bears around 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, meaning they have been completely isolated since the Roman era, but can be distinguished from their brown bear brothers by slightly smaller body size, unique facial features, and a tolerance for living close to human communities. (Picture: Getty)
So, in a new study, researchers at the University of Ferrara sequenced the genomes of 12 Apennine brown bears to see how this intense isolation and unique circumstances have been imprinted on their DNA. They then compared the genomes to a larger European population in Slovakia and American brown bears. They found that the Apennine population in Italy has experienced higher rates of inbreeding compared to other brown bears – not that surprising due to their small, secluded population. (Picture: Getty)
However, they also found signs of natural selection within genes related to behaviour and aggression. The researchers found that friendliness became a feature in the population through a couple of different avenues. They explain that around 2,000 to 3,000 years ago, when the population first became distinct, Central Italy experienced a rapid spread of agriculture and increased human activity, which led to forests becoming fragmented and bears becoming isolated from the wider European population. Aggressive individuals were more likely to be killed in encounters with humans, while calmer bears survived and passed on their genes. (Picture: Getty)
Co-author Dr Giorgio Bertorelle said: ‘The general implications of our findings are clear. Human-wildlife interactions are often dangerous for the survival of a species, but may also favour the evolution of traits that reduce conflict. This means that even populations that have been heavily and negatively affected by human activities may harbor genetic variants that should not be diluted, for example, by restocking.’ (Picture: Getty)
The researchers say that this finding shows how human encroachment into natural areas can lead to a decline in numbers and an erosion of the genetic pool, and this could raise the chances of extinction. However, it also unintentionally promotes a better relationship between humans and bears that involves less conflict. (Picture: Getty)
The findings come after a different team of scientists discovered climate change is creating genetic changes in polar bears in the North Atlantic. They found a strong link between rising temperatures in southeast Greenland and changes in polar bear DNA. These genetic changes are potentially allowing them to better adapt to higher temperatures caused by global warming. (Picture: Getty)
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