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Carnivorous Squirrels Documented in California

^{Published on 2024-12-18 14:02:17 - ucdavis.edu}
 

• California ground squirrels hunt, kill and eat voles, reveals a study by UC Davis and UW-Eau Claire, sharing the first evidence of widespread carnivorous behavior among squirrels.

The article from UC Davis discusses a unique ecological behavior observed in California's ground squirrels, where they have been documented feeding on the remains of other animals, a behavior not previously noted in this species. This carnivorous feeding was observed in the Carrizo Plain National Monument, where researchers found that these squirrels were consuming the remains of various animals, including other squirrels, birds, and even a snake. This behavior might be an adaptation to survive in environments where traditional food sources like seeds and plants are scarce, especially during drought conditions. The study suggests that this could be an opportunistic feeding strategy, potentially providing essential nutrients and helping the squirrels to cope with the challenges posed by climate change and habitat alterations.

Read the Full ucdavis.edu Article at:
[ https://www.ucdavis.edu/climate/news/carnivorous-feeding-squirrels-documented-california ]

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