A recent study published in the Journal of Ethology has revealed surprising predatory behavior in California ground squirrels, which were previously thought to be harmless nut gatherers. Researchers observed squirrels hunting and eating voles at Briones Regional Park in California during the summer months. Between June and July, 42% of the 74 interactions between squirrels and voles involved active predation.
Read More: 27 New Species, Including ‘Amphibious Mouse,’ Discovered in Peru’s Amazon
Led by Jennifer E. Smith, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, the study confirmed that hunting is a common behavior among these squirrels. Observations showed them crouching to ambush prey or chasing and pouncing on voles before delivering a fatal neck bite.
Sonja Wild, a co-author and postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Davis, initially dismissed the reports from undergraduate students but eventually witnessed the behavior firsthand. The carnivorous activity peaked in early July, coinciding with a surge in the vole population, as reported on the iNaturalist app. While some squirrel species are known to consume meat opportunistically, this study marks the first documented evidence of widespread active hunting.
The findings emphasize the adaptability of wildlife to environmental changes, drawing comparisons to other animals, such as raccoons and hyenas, that modify their strategies for survival.
