The fear predators inspire in their prey can leave long-lasting traces in the brains of wild animals, comparable to effects seen in humans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a Western-led study. The findings further demonstrate PTSD as a natural reaction of the brain to stressful situations.
Led by Biology professor Liana Zanette, Psychology professor Scott MacDougall-Shackleton and Biology professor Michael Clinchy, the study, Predator-induced fear causes PTSD-like changes in the brains and behaviour of wild animals, was published today in Scientific Reports–Nature.
In this study, researchers demonstrated predators-inspired effects persisted beyond the immediate ‘fight-or-flight’ response and remained measurable more than a week later.
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