Father’s Day is just around the corner.
I have to say that in the fatherhood category, I won the lottery when I was a kid. My dad was such a great dad. I truly could not have asked for a better father.
But the sad fact remains. Many individuals in this world don’t have such good dads. In fact, some are downright terrible. And it stretches way beyond humans.
Yes, fatherhood in the animal kingdom varies widely. And you know, in some species, paternal behavior can appear surprisingly harsh.
While many animal fathers play protective roles, others exhibit behaviors that prioritize survival, territory, or reproduction over caregiving.
So, with Father’s Day just around the bend, here are the Top Five Bad Dads in the Animal World.
Lion.
Those male lions protect the pride’s territory. But when it comes to being a daddy, they contribute little to raising the cubs. Like where food is concerned? They eat first after a hunt. They get all the good stuff on the dinner table. And then? They often leave less food for females and young lions.
Grizzly Bear
Male grizzly bears are highly territorial. They are so territorial that they have been known to kill cubs. They do this to bring females back into breeding condition. Horny bastards.
Largemouth Bass
Off to the water, we look at the male bass. They guard their young after hatching. But then, once those babies are little fishes, the fathers may eventually consume weaker offspring that remain behind after the majority have dispersed.
Sand Goby
The sand goby is also a fish. Male sand gobies protect their eggs. But for what? They often consume part of the brood. In particular, they eat the eggs that take longer to hatch.
Assassin Bug
And. Lastly, for the insect world, the male assassin bug. The daddy assassin bugs guard their eggs too. But they start eating those eggs on the outer edges of the cluster. This behavior is believed to reduce parasite threats while also providing nutrition to the dad during extended guarding periods.
So there they are.
Bad Dads.
I hope all of you had good dads in your lives.
They are half of the equation, after all.
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“Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” — Anne Geddes
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“Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance.” — Ruth E. Renkel
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“Fatherhood is not a matter of biology, but of courage, patience, and sacrifice.” — James Reed
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“Being a father means you have to think fast on your feet. You must be judicious, wise, brave, tender, and willing to put on a frilly hat.” — Matthew Buckley
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“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.” — Joseph Tomilinson
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