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

Science

13326 readers
53 users here now

Subscribe to see new publications and popular science coverage of current research on your homepage


founded 5 years ago
MODERATORS
 

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.

top 4 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] MossyFeathers@pawb.social 10 points 1 day ago (1 children)

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

[–] shreddy_scientist@lemmy.ml 6 points 1 day ago (1 children)

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 1 day ago

Very interesting. And... slightly disconcerting.