No, it’s not just cold weather affecting men worldwide, as scientists say pollution is causing a widespread shrinking of the male member of the otter, and could be affecting humans, too.

Research of the water mammal suggests that modern chemicals introduced by humans to the environment could be to blame for the shriveling of the organs.

A report by the Cardiff University Otter Project showed that the otter, one of Britain’s favorite animals, is not packing the punch it once was.

Researchers wonder if endocrine disrupting chemicals — also known as hormone disruptors — could be to blame.

Experts warn that this could very well affect human males as well, from sex organ malformation to reduced sperm counts.

Gwynne Lyons, director of the (CHEM) Trust, said the study showed it was time to end the complacency surrounding male reproductive health in humans as well as other species.

“If we are to protect our wildlife, we need good information on the reproductive health of key species,” said Gwynne Lyons, director of the CHEM Trust.

“These findings highlight that it is time to end the complacency about the effects of pollutants on male reproductive health.

“This is particularly as some of the effects reported in otters may be caused by the same EDCs that are suspected to contribute to the declining trends in men’s reproductive health and cause testicular cancer, undescended testes and low sperm count.

“In reality humans and wildlife are exposed to a cocktail of many chemicals every day and some may be adding up to cause problems,” she said.

If this isn’t going to encourage us to be wary of climate change, I don’t know what is.

Jordan Shepherd | Elite.