Researchers from the **University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire** and the **University of California** at Davis documented, for the first time, a colony of **carnivorous squirrels**.
This was based on the hunting and **consumption of field mice** by the group of animals, detected in California, United States.
Published in the *Journal of Ethology*, this study redefines squirrels as “opportunistic omnivores” and highlights their adaptability in altered environments.
## Carnivorous squirrels in California: what the species is like
**Jennifer E. Smith**, co-director of the long-term research project at Briones Regional Park, explained in a conversation with *Phys* that the finding was **unexpected and also revealing**.
Squirrels usually have a diet based on seeds and grains. But this discovery of carnivorous habits seems new to science.
Between June and July, the researchers observed **74 interactions between squirrels and field mice**, with **42% involving active hunting**.
This, recorded through **photographs, videos, and direct observations**, involved both young individuals and adults of both sexes, who even competed for access to prey.
## What causes the change in diet
The detected carnivorous behavior seems to be linked to a **temporary increase** in the field mouse population in the park. This phenomenon was identified by observers on the *iNaturalist* platform.
According to the research team, the increase in prey availability was key to triggering active hunting in squirrels, suggesting an **adaptive response** to changes in the ecosystem.
Author **Sonja Wild** highlighted that this behavioral plasticity reinforces the potential of squirrels to persist in habitats affected by human activity.
## What consequences it may bring in the environment
The importance of this finding was emphasized to understand ecological processes and **interactions between species**.
Another point of interest is whether this practice is **culturally transmitted**, either through **imitation** among individuals or through **learning** from parents to offspring.
From now on, the team will evaluate the impact of this diet on the **reproduction** and **survival** of squirrels compared to previous years.
This longitudinal approach will help determine if dietary strategies **influence the squirrel population structure** or the ecosystem dynamics of the Regional Park.
The case of California ground squirrels shows how even the most familiar animals can have **unexpected behaviors**, challenging preconceived ideas about their habits and adaptations.
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