A new study reveals toxic oil waste products are harming the actual penis bones of otters.<br />Gizmodo Earther reports Canadian researchers from McMaster University say the male organs of river otters are becoming more brittle.<br />It was already known that exposure to compounds found in crude oil can decrease some animals’ reproductive success.<br />River otters are a 'sentinel species,' meaning they often are affected by exposure to contaminants before other species register those changes.<br />The authors say that Alberta otters’ weakened penis bones could mess with their ability to reproduce, which could greatly impact the food chain.<br />To make matters worse, they fear that tar sands pollution could have an effect on humans’ reproductive systems as well.
