Short Wave Why These Squirrels Are Eating Meat
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Dec 27, 2024 Squirrels are going rogue in the California Bay Area, ditching their traditional diets to hunt voles! This surprising behavior showcases their adaptability and predatory skills. The podcast dives into the implications of this meaty menu for squirrel populations and even connects it to ancient species and broader ecological shifts. Along the way, there are intriguing thoughts on early humans’ relationships with dogs and wolves, highlighting the deep-rooted bond between species.
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Carnivorous Squirrels
- California ground squirrels were observed hunting, killing, and eating voles.
- This predatory behavior, captured on video, expands our understanding of squirrel diets.
Squirrel Diet Flexibility
- Squirrels exhibit flexible eating habits, similar to raccoons and bears.
- A vole population boom likely contributed to the observed increase in squirrel predation.
Fossil Record Gap
- The Cambrian Explosion marks a period of abundant fossil evidence, starting 540 million years ago.
- Prior to this, fossil records are scarce due to soft-bodied organisms and limited research.