It is thought that grassland degradation is principally attributed to overgrazing.[7][8] This unfortunate occurrence occurs when animals consume grass at a faster rate than it can grow back.[3] Lately overgrazing has become more apparent partially because of the increase in urbanization, which makes less room for available farmland.[4] With these hence smaller plots, farmers try to maximize their space and profits by densely packing their land with animals.[5][5] Another point that comes with the high density of owned animals is that farmers need to be able to provide for them in the winter months; so they must gather much grass, since the winter is often harsh and long in alpine meadows.[2] As a result, grass is given less of a chance to grow back due to either the rapid consumption of grass or the continual stomping of the feet of these animals.[2] This latter suppression also encourages rats and insects to subsist here, both of which further inhibit the growth of grass.[2]