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A ground squirrel with cheeks stuffed with nuts, seeds or grains, is a common sight. But a new study provides the first evidence that California ground squirrels also hunt, kill and eat voles. The study, led by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of California, Davis, is the first to chronicle widespread carnivorous behavior among squirrels.

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[-] MossyFeathers@pawb.social 10 points 5 days ago

This was not on my 2024 bingo card, what the fuck.

[-] shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml 6 points 5 days ago

Right! But, if you zoom out, it's not exactly too wild. Ground squirrels have voles beat in size and they have habitat overlap with both living underground. Additionally, dietary shifts give animals the flexibly to respond to changes in the environment plus foraging risks and opportunities. It's been known since the early 2000's that squirrels can supplement some of their diet with insects or bird eggs/baby birds. Knowing this, it starts to make a lot more sense ground squirrels would hunt voles, as the environment is rapidly changing, they're known to already hunt a bit, and voles could be their annoying neighbor.

[-] GlassHalfHopeful@lemmy.ca 2 points 5 days ago

Very interesting. And... slightly disconcerting.

this post was submitted on 20 Dec 2024
40 points (97.6% liked)

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