Carnivorous Californian Squirrels: A Surprising Find!

In California's Briones Regional Park, scientists stumbled upon a fascinating behavior in ground squirrels — they've started hunting and eating voles! This isn't something squirrels are known for, as they usually munch on seeds and plants. But with a recent increase in vole numbers, these critters have shown their ability to adapt. The study, published in the Journal of Ethology, found that squirrels aren't just eating voles, they’re actively hunting them. This significant shift in diet could be a response to their environment. Researchers say it highlights how these animals can adapt to changes, like increased vole populations, climate change, and drought.The team observed this behavior over a period of six weeks. They captured and marked squirrels, tracking their interactions with voles. Out of 74 encounters, 42% involved squirrels hunting and eating voles. Both male and female squirrels, from juveniles to adults, were involved. Not all interactions were predatory though; some were playful, while others were competitive. This raises questions about how these behaviors are shared within squirrel communities. Experts suggest this new diet could be advantageous. Protein from voles provides a quick nutrition boost, and it’s a plentiful resource. It’s even possible that squirrels are becoming opportunistic omnivores, changing their diet based on what’s available. This kind of adaptability is crucial for survival.