Richard Collins: Berry berry drunk — it's only natural

Scientists say that alcohol has been in the natural world for millions of years: "moderate ethanol intake is associated with nutritional medicinal and cognitive benefits. Evidence is growing that humans are not drinking alone and that many animals ingest ethanol in their natural environment"

Bohemian waxwing with rowan berries (Bombycilla garrulus). Rowan berries have been found to contain ethanol concentrations of 0.30%

In vino veritas (in wine there is truth) — Pliny the Elder

Reports of ‘drunk and disorderly’ wild animals surface in the media from time to time. In Nordic countries, large deer get high by eating fermented fruit. They stagger onto roads, causing traffic accidents. Bears and squirrels are also vulnerable to what is, in effect, alcohol poisoning.