Sometimes, appearance can be a deception. When we think of squirrels, we imagine them as cute animals that stuff their mouths with nuts and grains. A new study on California ground squirrels might shake you up. This latest study has found that squirrels can also fancy a taste of meat, as they have been documented preying on voles.
The research is a part of the Long-Term Behavioral Ecology of California Ground Squirrels Project at Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County. The study’s main objective is to find out how California ground squirrels adapt to the changing environment, in this case, an increased local vole population due to an infestation in Northern California. The study finds that California ground squirrels, which are well-regarded as herbivores or, more specifically, granivores, have responded to this change in the ecosystem by actively preying on these voles.
The research team formed by Jennifer Smith, the lead study author and associate professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, observed the carnivorous behavior of squirrels from June 10 to July 30. In that period, the scientists laid traps to capture, mark, and release the squirrels biweekly. The study team collected data on each squirrel, including their sex, reproductive status, and body mass. Thereafter, they labeled every animal with two identification tags and a unique fur mark using dye. This allowed the scientists to track and observe these squirrels throughout the observation period. Squirrels are active during the day, which makes them great subjects for testing animal resilience and their ability to adapt and survive in changing environmental conditions.
In their study, they recorded 74 interactions between squirrels and voles. In 42 percent of those encounters, the squirrel actively hunted and consumed the voles. However, positive interactions, such as foraging, playing, and greeting, were also recorded.
Ultimately, the study concludes that squirrels can best be categorized as opportunistic omnivores based on their affinity for hunting and consuming live prey. Protein is a necessary but limited resource for squirrels to thrive, and voles can be a particularly rich source of protein.
These new findings can help in further studies on animal resilience, particularly that of the ground squirrel and other mammals, in a rapidly changing environment.
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