Which of the following is not a factor that contributes to bacterial growth on harvested game?

Bacterial growth is significantly influenced by environmental conditions, and understanding these factors is crucial for proper game handling. Moisture, heat, and dirt all create conducive environments for bacteria to thrive.

Moisture provides the necessary water that bacteria need to multiply. Heat accelerates bacterial growth, as most bacteria thrive at warm temperatures. Dirt can also harbor bacteria, providing a medium that can contaminate the game meat.

On the contrary, cold temperatures slow down bacterial growth and, in many cases, can even halt it altogether. Refrigeration is often used to preserve meat and prevent bacterial contamination. Therefore, cold does not contribute to bacterial growth and is actually a method of mitigating such risks. This is why selecting cold as the answer indicates an understanding of food safety and the conditions that inhibit bacterial proliferation.