We typically think of squirrels stuffing their cheeks with acorns. But in California, they hunt, too.
Move over acorns, a new study has shown evidence of a species of California squirrel hunting other animals and exhibiting carnivorous behaviors for the first time.The findings, published this week in the Journal of Ethology, are part of a larger study on how squirrels adapt to changes in their environment, and focused on an area in Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County.
Over that time, they observed more than 70 interactions. Nearly half of those interactions showed the squirrels actively hunting their prey. In some cases, the squirrels stalked their prey before pouncing; in others, they chased the voles down. Once they got their prey, the researchers found the squirrels would rip off the voles' heads and eat them.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
1963 Ferrari California Body Swapped With A 2010 California Is Nightmare FuelThis special project needs someone with the vision and dedication to turn it into a true dream come true
Read more »
California bill would give public university admission priority to slaves’ descendantsA California lawmaker plans to introduce a bill that would give admission priority to the descendants of slaves at the University of California and California State University.
Read more »
EPA Grants California's Request for Strict Vehicle Emission StandardsThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved two requests from California to enforce stricter vehicle emission standards, including a rule promoting electric vehicle sales. California's standards exceed a federal rule adopted this year, which tightens emissions but doesn't mandate electric vehicle sales. The EPA argued that California met its legal obligation to demonstrate that the rules aligned with the federal Clean Air Act. This victory for California is significant for over a dozen other states that follow its lead on vehicle emission regulations.
Read more »
Wisconsin School Shooter Had Contact with California Man Planning Government AttackA 15-year-old student shot and killed a fellow student and a teacher at a Wisconsin religious school before taking her own life. Authorities say the shooter was in contact with a 20-year-old man in California who was planning an attack on a government building.
Read more »
Wisconsin shooter had 2 guns, in contact with man in Californiathe man told FBI agents that he had been messaging Natalie Rupnow, the Wisconsin shooter, about attacking a government building with a gun and explosives,...
Read more »
Wisconsin School Shooter Contacted California Man Planning Government AttackA 15-year-old student at Abundant Life Christian School in Wisconsin killed a fellow student and teacher before taking her own life. Authorities revealed she was in contact with a California man planning a government attack.
Read more »