New study explores sinister side of meerkats

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — One of the most captivating sights of African wildlife is that of dark-eyed meerkats standing side-by-side on their hind legs, as though posing for a group photograph. They look cuddly and endearing. But a new study says they have a dark side.

The dominant female meerkat in a group banishes the other females when they give birth, killing and even eating their offspring to ensure a plentiful food supply for the alpha couple’s own pups and a labor pool of meerkat babysitters who don’t have their own young to rear.