Ground squirrels are typically associated with their diet of nuts, seeds and grains, but a groundbreaking new study reveals an unexpected twist in their behavior.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and University of California, Davisfound that California gophers also hunt, kill, and eat voles.

This surprising discovery, published in the Ethology Journalmarks the first documented evidence of widespread carnivorous behavior among squirrels.

The results fundamentally challenge long-held assumptions that California ground squirrels are primarily granivores. Instead, the study suggests that these animals are opportunistic omnivores, capable of adjusting their diet to include meat when the opportunity arises.

Shocking discovery of carnivorous squirrels

The surprising sightings took place in 2024 during the 12th year of the California Ground Squirrel Long-Term Behavioral Ecology Project at Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County.

The study’s lead author, Jennifer E. Smith, is an associate professor of biology at UW-Eau Claire and co-leads the project with Sonja Wild of UC Davis.

During the months of June and July, researchers recorded 74 interactions between squirrels and volesof which 42% concerned active squirrel hunting.

“It was shocking,” Professor Smith said. “We have never seen this behavior before. Squirrels are one of the most familiar animals to humans. We see them right outside our windows; we interact with them regularly.

“Yet here is this never-before-encountered scientific behavior that highlights the fact that there is so much more to learn about the natural history of the world around us.”

Even for Wild, a seasoned observer of the field squirrelsthe behavior was initially hard to believe.

When undergraduates first reported seeing squirrels chasing voles, Wild admitted his skepticism. “No, I’m not sure I know what you’re referring to,” she said, until she looked at the video evidence.

“I could hardly believe my eyes,” Wild said. “From that point on, we saw this behavior almost every day. Once we started looking, we saw it everywhere.

Opportunists in a changing landscape

The study documented squirrels of all ages and sexes hunting and consuming voles, often competing for prey. This behavior peaked in early July, coinciding with a sudden increase in vole populations reported by citizen scientists on iNaturalist.

Interestingly, the researchers observed squirrels hunting only voles and no other mammals, suggesting that this behavior emerged in response to the temporary abundance of this particular prey.

Wild highlighted the adaptability of California ground squirrels to environmental changes.

“The fact that California ground squirrels are behaviorally flexible and can respond to changes in food availability could help them persist in life. environments changing rapidly due to the presence of humans.

Smith echoed this sentiment, pointing to the broader tendency of mammals to adapt to human-altered landscapes.

“Many species, including the California ground squirrel, are incredible opportunists,” she said. “From raccoons and coyotes to spotted animals hyenas and humans, the flexibility these mammals apply to their hunting strategies helps them change and adapt to the human landscape.

Questions for future research

While this discovery sheds new light on the behavior of gophers, it raises many questions about the ecological and evolutionary implications of their hunting habits. Researchers are particularly curious about how widespread this behavior is among other squirrel populations and whether it is learned or instinctive.

“Through this collaboration and the data received, we are able to document this widespread behavior that we had no idea about,” Smith said. “Digital technology can inform science, but there is no substitute for going there and observing their behavior, because what animals do always surprises us.”

The team also plans to study whether vole hunting impacts squirrel reproduction, comparing this year’s data to the previous decade.

Importance of carnivorous squirrels

This discovery of the carnivorous behavior of California ground squirrels adds a fascinating layer to our understanding of a species we thought we knew well. This not only demonstrates the behavioral flexibility of these animals, but also highlights the value of direct observation and collaboration in scientific research.

The results suggest that even the most familiar animals can surprise us with behaviors that challenge established assumptions. As researchers prepare for next year’s field season, they remain eager to discover what other secrets these seemingly ordinary squirrels might reveal.

—–

Do you like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content and the latest updates.

Consult us on EarthSnapa free application presented by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

—–