A new study published in the Journal of Ethology has revealed extraordinary behavior in California ground squirrels, revealing an unexpected shift towards carnivory. Researchers led by Jennifer E. Smith at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire observed 42% of interactions between voles and ground squirrels involved squirrels killing and consuming voles.
The findings contradict traditional notions that California ground squirrels are granivorous, relying primarily on seeds and grains. Instead, the study suggests a significant increase in carnivorous behavior among all sections of the population, with some individuals employing stealthy tactics to hunt and kill their prey.
Researchers attribute the shift in behavior to an environmental adaptation, likely triggered by a dramatic increase in vole populations. Voles are thought to fluctuate based on the availability of certain minerals in the environment, which may explain the surge in population numbers.
While it is too early to predict long-term effects, the study’s lead authors, Smith and her colleague, believe that the behavior could be transmitted socially from one individual to another or developed independently through trial-and-error learning. The discovery has sparked questions about the potential impact on other small mammals in the area and whether similar behaviors may emerge in other squirrel populations.
Despite the unexpected nature of the findings, researchers emphasize that squirrels are adaptable and opportunistic in their diet, suggesting that they will likely revert to their traditional seed-based diet once vole population numbers stabilize. However, more research is needed to fully understand the implications of this discovery.
Source: https://www.sfgate.com/california-parks/article/squirrels-predators-bay-area-park-19988436.php