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Will California ground squirrels hunt voles in other parks by end of 2025?
2
Resolution / Starting Odds
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Research publications or reports from wildlife research institutions
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California Ground Squirrels Documented Hunting and Eating Voles for First Time in Briones Park, Over 70 Observed
Dec 19, 2024, 01:43 AM
Recent research from the University of California, Davis, has revealed that California ground squirrels are exhibiting carnivorous behavior by hunting, killing, and consuming voles, a behavior previously undocumented in this species. This discovery comes as scientists observed over 70 squirrels engaging in predation during June and July 2024 in Briones Regional Park, California. The findings challenge long-held beliefs that these squirrels primarily forage for seeds and grains, with researchers noting that the squirrels may be adapting their diet in response to fluctuations in prey availability. The study, published in the Journal of Ethology, indicates that this behavior represents a significant shift in understanding the dietary habits of ground squirrels, which were once thought to be strictly herbivorous. Researchers expressed surprise at the findings, stating, 'This was shocking. We had never seen this behavior before.'
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Seeds and Vegetation • 25%
Voles • 25%
Mixed Diet • 25%
Other Prey • 25%
Northern California • 25%
Central California • 25%
Southern California • 25%
No Significant Difference • 25%
Increase in Vole Population • 25%
Climate Change • 25%
Food Scarcity • 25%
Other Environmental Factors • 25%
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Decrease by more than 20% • 25%
Decrease by 10% to 20% • 25%
Decrease by less than 10% • 25%
No significant change or increase • 25%
