California squirrels evolving in 'shocking' way as scientists investigate key behavioral shift
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Scientists have found California ground squirrels are evolving in a 'shocking' way - the animals have developed a taste for flesh. A video captured dozens of them hunting, attacking and feasting on rodents for the first time ever. The bizarre behavior was seen for two weeks at Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County as cameras recorded squirrels pouncing on their prey, ripping them apart and consuming the lifeless animal.
![[Scientists have captured shocking footage of California ground squirrels hunting, killing, and then eating voles]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/15/93238211-14202079-image-a-105_1734450472990.jpg)
On one occasion, scientists watched in horror as a squirrel 'vigorously' shook its prey while holding it in its mouth. The observations have suggested that these nut foraging creatures are evolving into carnivorous predators. 'This was shocking,' said Dr Jennifer E. Smith, an associate professor of biology at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, who led the study.
![[Squirrels have traditionally been considered 'granivorous' animals (those that feed on grain), but the new footage adds to evidence that suggests squirrels are becoming carnivorous]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/15/93238217-14202079-image-a-107_1734450479376.jpg)
'We had never seen this behavior before. Squirrels are one of the most familiar animals to people.'. 'We see them right outside our windows; we interact with them regularly. 'Yet here's this never-before-encountered-in-science behavior that sheds light on the fact that there's so much more to learn about the natural history of the world around us.'.
![[The scientists we observing the squirrels at Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County when they spotted the unusual behavior]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/15/93238213-14202079-image-a-109_1734450495207.jpg)
Squirrels are known for stuffing their cheeks with nuts. But scientists have captured shocking footage of California ground squirrels hunting and eating rodents. Scientists observed 74 interactions between squirrels and voles, which are similar to hamsters, from June 10 to July 30.
![[Between June 10 and July 30, they were amazed to see California ground squirrels of all ages and genders hunting, eating, and competing over vole prey]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/15/93238205-14202079-image-a-111_1734450503144.jpg)
