Most people associate squirrels with cute creatures that chew nuts and cones. However, fluffies can destroy bird nests by eating eggs and chicks. And in California, for the first time, it was established that a local species of squirrels manifests itself as predators.
A new US study published in the animal behavior journal Journal of Ethology has found that California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) exhibit typical meat-eating behavior.
Scientists in Briones Park observed squirrels hunting shrews, small rodents related to hamsters. “It was shocking,” said the study’s lead author, biology professor Jennifer Smith. “We’ve never documented this type of behavior before.”
Shrew infestations have been reported in Northern California and have increased significantly over the past ten years. California ground squirrels were usually considered herbivores, but they have now responded to changes in the ecosystem by adding meat to their diet.
«Animals can either adapt or go extinct in a world changed by humans” says Smith. In this case, an incredible ability to adapt was revealed.
Source: www.gorod.lv
