New York City's bugs eat more than 2,100 pounds of dropped food every year

New York City's bugs eat more than 2,100 pounds of dropped food every year
(Image credit: iStock)

A new study, published in the journal Global Change Biology, found that New York City's bug population consumes more than 2,100 pounds of food each year.

To reach their conclusion, the researchers left hot dogs, cookies, and potato chips in New York City streets and parks. Some were placed in cages, so only insects could reach them, while other food was left in the open, available to rats and pigeons.

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Meghan DeMaria

Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.